Lecture 11

Genes 2

  1. Evolution & Psychology
    1. Definition
    2. Guiding Assumptions
    3. Two Causal Explanations
      1. Proximate Explanations
      2. Ultimate Explanations
    4. Two Similarities
      1. Homologous
      2. Analogous
  2. Selective Breeding
    1. Artificial Selection
    2. Natural Selection
    3. Behaviors are Heritable
    4. Heritable Qualities
  3. Sex Differences in Mating Preferences

Overview

The biological structures we see today (and the psychological phenomena they produce) are products of hundreds of thousands of years of selective pressures. Structures that increased reproductive fitness were preferentially selected, making them part of human nature. In this sense, ancient consequences sculpted psychological structures and processes.


It is important to remember that the structures and processes we possess today are ones that were adaptive in the past. Modern life is quite different than the life our ancient ancestors lived, so it is entirely possible that the structures that once improved reproductive success are no longer adaptive.


Men and women face different reproductive challenges, and many people believe these challenges underlie sex differences in mating strategies.

Specifics

  1. Distinguish ultimate and proximate explanations
  2. Distinguish homologous and analogous and similarities, and know what each reveals.
  3. Discuss what is meant by artificial selection, and compare it with natural selection.
  4. What evidence suggests that behaviors can be inherited, and what is the name for an inherited behavior?
  5. Describe and identify four types of heritable qualities.


Heritable Qualities

CharacteristicDescriptionExample

Adaptation

  

Vestige

  

Byproduct

  

Noise