Evolutionary Psychology Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

What significant contribution did Gregor Johann Mendel make to the understanding of inheritance?

He proposed the law of inheritance through his experiments. (correct)

He developed the theory of evolution.

He discovered the structure of DNA.

He introduced the concept of natural selection.

Which of the following accurately describes Classic Darwinism?

It integrates Mendelian genetics with natural selection.

It includes multilevel selection theories.

It introduces the concept of adaptive lags.

It focuses on variation, inheritance, and selection. (correct)

How do changes in organisms differ between viruses and mammals?

Viruses evolve slower than mammals.

Mammals have a more complex evolutionary process.

Changes in viruses occur faster than in mammals. (correct)

Mammals do not experience evolutionary changes.

What is a key component of the Modern Synthesis or Neo-Darwinism?

Natural selection combined with Mendelian genetics. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory explains evolutionary dynamics by considering kin relationships?

Inclusive-fitness theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a feature of Mendel's experiment with garden peas?

He selectively bred purely bred traits across multiple generations. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of evolution is emphasized by cultural selection theories?

Transmission of behavioral traits through social learning. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts does not belong to the Integrated Synthesis of evolutionary theories?

Quantum genetics Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of favorable variations in the process of natural selection?

They tend to be preserved and passed on. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'fitness' refer to in evolutionary sciences?

The odds of an organism surviving until reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

How does sexual selection differ from natural selection?

Sexual selection favors traits that enhance mating success, not necessarily survival. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of traits might be favored by sexual selection?

Traits with no survival purpose but enhance mating success. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of inheritance in the context of natural selection?

Variations are reliably passed down to offspring over generations. Signup and view all the answers

What do ground finches and warbler finches illustrate about adaptation?

They show how different adaptations can arise for survival needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of differential reproduction success in natural selection?

Possessing heritable attributes that enhance survival. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of repeated natural selection over generations?

Formation of new adaptations in organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What was Jean Baptiste Lamarck’s belief regarding the progression of organisms?

Organisms tend to progress toward higher forms and characteristics are inherited. Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Léopold Chrétien Frédérick Dagobert Cuvier propose?

Species are extinguished periodically by sudden catastrophes. Signup and view all the answers

What significant observation did Charles Darwin make about Galápagos finches?

They exhibited variations that identified them as distinct species. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Darwin reach about species over time?

Species can change over time and are not immutable. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory is associated with Charles Darwin's observations during his travels?

Theory of Natural Selection Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key factors that caused the finches to evolve differently on different islands?

Differences in local ecological conditions. Signup and view all the answers

At what stage of his life did Charles Darwin embark on the journey of the HMS Beagle?

After graduating from Cambridge University at age 22. Signup and view all the answers

How did Darwin's observations challenge prior beliefs about species?

They suggested species had distinct origins and evolved variations. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key issue raised by Williams regarding group selection?

Selfish organisms tend to survive and reproduce more successfully. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the criteria established by George C.Williams for characteristics to be considered adaptations?

Sustainability Signup and view all the answers

In the context of adaptations, what does the term 'efficiency' refer to?

The effectiveness of a mechanism in solving an adaptive problem. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Theory of Parental Investment, which statement is accurate?

Parents investing more resources will likely choose mates more carefully. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'reciprocal altruism' as defined by Robert Trivers?

A strategy where individuals incur cost to help others with the expectation of future benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'parent-offspring conflict' entail?

Resources invested in one offspring reduce availability for others. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fitness and evolution, why are characteristics deemed too functional to arise from mere chance significant?

They bolster the idea of evolutionary adaptations over random chance. Signup and view all the answers

What do altruistic organisms face in terms of survival, according to Williams's view?

Higher likelihood of succumbing compared to selfish organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Assessments Overview

Class Participation accounts for 20% of the overall grade, involving weekly discussions.
Discussion Questions contribute 10% to the total marks.
Mid-Term exams make up 30% of the assessment.
Final exams carry 40% weight towards the final score.

Pre-Darwinian Concepts of Evolution

Jean Baptiste Lamarck theorized that organisms evolve towards higher forms through inheritance of acquired characteristics.
Léopold Chrétien Frédéric Cuvier proposed Catastrophism, suggesting species are periodically wiped out by catastrophes and replaced by new species.

Charles Darwin and HMS Beagle

Darwin traveled on the HMS Beagle at age 22, collecting specimens, notably from the Galápagos Islands.
He discovered significant variations among Galápagos finches, leading him to identify them as distinct species.
This observation contributed to the formulation of the Theory of Natural Selection.

Key Observations of Darwin

Darwin concluded that species are not immutable; they can change over time influenced by local ecological conditions.
The concept of "The Struggle for Existence" highlights that species must compete for survival, leading to the preservation of favorable traits.

Theory of Natural Selection

Variation within organisms is multi-dimensional, covering structural, anatomical, cellular, and behavioral traits.
Inheritance refers to the reliable passing down of attributes across generations.
Selection occurs through differential reproductive success; organisms with beneficial traits reproduce more effectively, impacting evolutionary fitness.

Sexual Selection vs. Natural Selection

Sexual Selection accounts for traits that enhance mating success but may not provide survival benefits, like the plumage of male peacocks.
Sexual traits may evolve rapidly, influenced by species complexity.

Darwinism Evolution

Classic Darwinism includes Variation, Inheritance, and Selection.
Modern Synthesis (Neo-Darwinism) integrates Mendelian genetics and various theories, including inclusive-fitness and kin selection.

Mendelian Genetics

Gregor Mendel's experiments from 1856-1863 on garden peas established the basics of hereditary genetics.
He identified concepts of hereditary traits (genes) and formulated laws of inheritance.

Adaptation and Its Criteria

Adaptations are solutions evolved in response to specific reproductive challenges.
Established criteria for adaptations include:
- Reliability: Mechanism's consistent occurrence across environments.
- Efficiency: Effectiveness in solving adaptive problems.
- Economy: Low cost to the organism for achieving adaptive advantages.

Robert Trivers' Seminal Theories

Theory of Reciprocal Altruism (1971): Altruistic behaviors benefit unrelated individuals at a personal cost.
Parental Investment Theory (1972): The sex investing more in offspring is more selective in mate choice.
Parent-Offspring Conflict Theory (1974): Resources dedicated to one offspring cannot be used for others, creating tension in parental investment.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the assessment criteria for the Evolutionary Psychology course at Singapore Management University. Key components include class participation, discussion questions, mid-terms, and finals, each weighted differently. Evaluate understanding and contributions to the course material.