Evolutionary Psychology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main benefit of the cuckoo's 48 hour egg laying interval?

It helps the cuckoo to mimic the host's egg more closely.

It allows the cuckoo's egg to hatch earlier than the host's egg. (correct)

It allows the cuckoo to lay more eggs than the host bird.

It gives the cuckoo a chance to escape predators while the host bird is incubating its eggs.

Which of the following is NOT a way that cuckoo chicks maximize their chances of survival?

Mimicking the call of the host chicks.

Ejecting host chicks from the nest.

Laying eggs that resemble the host's eggs. (correct)

Hatching earlier than the host chicks.

In the context of fathead minnows, why is egg eating by males adaptive?

Eating the eggs provides a source of nutrition for the male, increasing his chances of survival.

Eating the eggs reduces competition between the male's offspring and the offspring of other males.

Eating the eggs increases the chances of the male attracting a mate.

Eating the eggs reduces the cost of caring for eggs that are not his own offspring. (correct)

The parental care strategies of different species are ultimately determined by:

The relative costs and benefits of parental care. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between Type A and Type B individuals?

Type A individuals respond more quickly to challenges than Type B individuals, due to their higher levels of noradrenaline. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is infanticide by a new male hanuman langur considered adaptive?

It ensures that the females will come into estrus sooner, allowing the new male to father offspring. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument against applying evolutionary psychology principles to human behavior?

Evolutionary explanations for human behavior often ignore or downplay the influence of social and cultural factors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central point made about the relationship between dominance and facial features?

Perceptions of dominance can be influenced by subtle changes in facial features, such as jaw shape. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument presented about child abuse in the context of evolution?

Evolutionary theory can help explain why children are more likely to be abused by stepparents. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST summarizes the author's view on the application of evolutionary psychology to human behavior?

Evolutionary psychology should be used with caution, as it can lead to harmful interpretations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the text, what is meant by 'aggressive behavior CAN be adaptive'?

Aggressive behavior can be beneficial in certain circumstances, but it can also be harmful. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences the likelihood of aggression in animals?

The presence of a predator. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it argued that the sociology debate regarding biological versus cultural influences is significant?

It reveals how social and political ideologies can influence scientific research. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential reason why the study on child abuse may be misleading?

The study did not account for the role of social factors, such as poverty and drug abuse, in child abuse. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the major criticism leveled against evolutionary psychology in the text?

It ignores the impact of social and cultural factors on human behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'parental care' as discussed in the text?

Any behavior that increases the fitness of offspring. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how the text applies concepts from animal behavior to human behavior?

It cautions against applying animal behavior concepts to humans without careful consideration. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines whether a species will exhibit parental care?

The balance between the benefits and costs of parental care to the parents. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the operational sex ratio, and how does it influence parental care?

The ratio of sexually active males to fertile females. It affects the intensity of sexual selection and the level of parental care. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is most likely to promote the evolution of a species where males invest more in parental care than females?

A species where females are larger and more dominant than males. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a spermatophore, and how does it relate to parental investment?

A protein-rich package delivered by male Mormon crickets to females, providing essential nutrients for offspring. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic associated with biparental care?

Both parents are likely to be highly choosy in their mate selection. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of uncertainty around paternity for paternal care?

Males are less likely to invest in offspring, as they cannot be completely certain it is their own. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are females more likely to be affected by a change in the operational sex ratio than males in terms of mating opportunities?

Females are physically limited in the number of offspring they can produce, while males can mate with multiple females. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the main costs and benefits of mouth-brooding behavior in fish, like the St. Peter’s fish?

Costs: reduced food intake, increased risk of predation; Benefits: enhanced offspring survival, greater parental control. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is a male St. Peter’s fish more likely to desert the female, leaving her to care for the offspring alone?

When the operational sex ratio is male-biased, and there are more females available for mating. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why do many colonial species (like birds) rely on complex communication signals to avoid misdirected care?

To accurately identify their own offspring and minimize the costs of caring for unrelated individuals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is brood parasitism, and how does it impact the evolution of parental care?

A form of parental cost-cutting where individuals lay their eggs in the nests of other individuals, leaving them to raise the offspring. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a species where female parental investment is higher than male parental investment?

Peafowl. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a species where males and females invest similarly in parental care?

Mute Swan. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a species with a polyandrous mating system where males invest more in parental care than females?

Jacana. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe a mating system where females lay multiple clutches of eggs in quick succession, and males provide care for the first clutch while females move on to lay another?

Double clutching. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In which species do both males and females invest in parental care, but females bear a higher cost due to the way they care for the offspring?

St. Peter’s fish. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When leptin levels are low, what happens?

The hypothalamus signals the release of ghrelin from the stomach, leading to increased hunger. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between environment-independent and environment-dependent timing mechanisms in biological rhythms?

Environment-independent mechanisms are based on internal biological clocks, while environment-dependent mechanisms are influenced by external cues. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the MAIN function of leptin in regulating eating behavior?

Leptin inhibits the release of ghrelin, suppressing hunger. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the experiment investigating the environment-independent timing mechanism?

To understand how biological rhythms are maintained in the absence of external stimuli. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a biological rhythm?

The heartbeat of a bird while flying. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge in studying environmental-dependent timing mechanisms in animals?

It is difficult to control all external factors that influence the animal's environment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do hormones contribute to the development and expression of behavior?

Hormones play a role in both the development of structures involved in behavior and the activation of neural networks that respond to environmental signals. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hormones is incorrect?

Hormones can only act on distant target cells via the bloodstream. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of melatonin, the hormone discussed in the context of circadian rhythms?

Reception of light and dark signals, contributing to the biological clock. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason why naked mole rats do not exhibit circadian rhythms?

Their underground lifestyle eliminates the light-dark cycle, a key regulator of circadian rhythms. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies a hormonal influence on behavioral changes related to reproduction?

A mother crocodile ceasing to eat after giving birth to avoid harming her offspring. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The text describes a situation where male house mice exhibit aggression towards pups. What is the most likely explanation for this behavior?

The males often mistake pups for potential rival males and display aggression. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key hormone responsible for promoting sexual receptivity in female Rhesus monkeys?

Estrogen. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the sex peptide, transferred from male Drosophila during copulation, influence the female’s behavior?

It increases the female’s egg-laying rate while reducing her receptivity to further mating. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor responsible for the rapid change in sexual receptivity in female Anoles after copulation?

Hormonal changes induced by the physical stimulation of copulation, such as a rise in prostaglandin. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of testosterone in males?

Promotion of sperm production and activation of sexual behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Where is testosterone primarily produced in males?

Testes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of testosterone?

Stimulation of bone growth. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do hormones contribute to fat deposition in animals?

Hormones influence circadian rhythms, which can alter feeding habits and lead to changes in fat deposition. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason for the decline in sexual receptivity in female Drosophila after copulation?

The female’s body undergoes a hormonal shift, suppressing her desire to mate again. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of testosterone influence aggressive behavior in animals?

Testosterone modulates an animal’s neural pathways, influencing their response to social cues and their expression of aggression. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it considered beneficial for female Drosophila to mate with multiple males?

It increases the genetic diversity of their offspring, potentially improving their offspring's fitness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely difference between the mechanisms of hunger and sexual motivation?

Hunger restores a physiological balance, while mating does not directly address a physiological need. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about testosterone and aggression in humans is TRUE?

Testosterone levels rise prior to aggressive encounters, suggesting a 'priming' effect. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The Challenge Hypothesis, proposed by Wingfield, aimed to explain what phenomenon?

The connection between testosterone levels and aggressive behavior in birds. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, why do orange-throated males have a lower survival rate compared to other morphs in the presented study?

Their high energy expenditure defending large territories and mating with multiple females impacts their survival. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to the high levels of testosterone in polygynous females?

The need to attract more attentive male partners for parental care. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Dunnock study, what is the likely reason why females in polygynous groups have higher testosterone levels than those in monogamous groups?

Polygynous females are more likely to be aggressive towards each other, competing for resources and access to mates. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the likely impact of high testosterone levels on a male bird's survival?

High testosterone levels are associated with increased energy expenditure and aggression, potentially impacting survival. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant factor in why testosterone levels decline in fathers who invest heavily in parental care?

Lower testosterone levels facilitate more cooperative behaviors essential for successful parenting. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the "peck order" in chickens is TRUE?

Both males and females can occupy positions in the “peck order” hierarchy. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, in which scenario is testosterone LEAST likely to play a significant role in influencing behavior?

A male bird feeding and caring for its chicks. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the "Challenge hypothesis" of Wingfield differ from the earlier research on testosterone and aggression?

It investigates the relationship between aggression and fluctuating testosterone levels in the context of natural bird populations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why testosterone levels in married fathers are often lower than those of single men?

The lower testosterone levels may promote more cooperative and caring behaviors towards their families. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between testosterone and parental care in human males?

Lower testosterone levels are often associated with greater parental care and a more cooperative approach to family life. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the content, which of the following is NOT a potential cost of high testosterone levels?

Increased reproductive success and higher likelihood of finding multiple mates, leading to greater genetic contribution to the next generation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples best illustrates the role of testosterone in influencing dominance hierarchies?

A group of orange-throated males establishing and defending individual territories. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does success in Western society, according to Miller, influence reproductive success?

Success in Western society is directly related to reproductive success through increased social status and mate choice. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hormones and Behavior

Eating behavior is influenced by hormones.
Hunger is caused by hormones leptin and ghrelin.
Leptin, released from fat cells, signals to the hypothalamus to reduce hunger. Higher fat storage = higher leptin, resulting in lower hunger.
Low leptin levels trigger ghrelin release from the stomach, increasing hunger.
These hormones are proximate factors affecting animal behavior.

Hormonal Control of Behavior

Hormones play a key role in developing brain and gonadal structures, directly or indirectly impacting behavior.
Hormones trigger changes in neural networks, reacting to stimuli like daylight or social cues.
Reproduction is often timed by hormones when environmental conditions are most favorable.

Internal Clocks and Biological Rhythms

Biological rhythms persist independently of the environment.
- Short rhythms (e.g., heartbeat, breathing)
- Circadian rhythms (24 hours, e.g., rest/foraging)
- Circalunar rhythms (monthly, e.g., menstrual cycle)
- Circannual rhythms (yearly, e.g., migration, reproduction)
Internal clocks are critical for navigation and timing of ecological activities.
Two hypotheses explain rhythms:
- Environment-independent: rhythms persist regardless of environment.
- Environment-dependent: rhythms are adjustable to environmental changes.

How Internal Clocks Work

Researchers use invasive methods, such as brain lesioning, to study the function of internal clocks.
Studies are also performed on brain-damaged individuals and insects.
Removal of optic nerve influences but does not fully eliminate rhythms. Removal of the optic lobe disrupts rhythms. Melatonin production is necessary for light/dark reception.
Certain animals, like naked mole-rats, which live underground, show little to no circadian rhythm due to lack of a light/dark cycle.

Hormones: The Chemical Messengers

Hormones are found in all multicellular organisms.
They are chemical messengers between cells.
Many organs/tissues produce hormones.
Mammals have approximately 50 major hormones.
Hormones are derived from amines, peptides, proteins, and lipids.
Hormones can function as neurotransmitters.

Functions of Hormones

Endocrine action: hormones secreted into the bloodstream.
Paracrine action: hormones diffuse across cells.
Lipid hormones can act both ways.
Hormones affect CNS; hypothalamus produces hormones.

Importance of Clocks and Hormones

Hormones and internal clocks influence fat deposition, migration, and hibernation. Changing day lengths lead to circadian rhythm changes, affecting feeding and behavior (e.g., increased body fat storage).
Hormone levels change during reproduction (e.g., progesterone during pregnancy, prolactin for parental care).
Reproductive behaviors and sexual motivation are influenced by the balance of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone in mammals and birds.
Estrogen in female Rhesus monkeys peaks during estrus, correlating with mating. Artificially increasing estrogen levels in female Rhesus monkeys increases mating behavior.

Sex Peptides and Sexual Receptivity

In flies, sex peptide, transferred during mating, increases egg laying and decreases female receptivity.
Sex peptide targets brain areas similar to the human hypothalamus. This process is widespread.

Effects of Copulation

Copulation leads to rapid changes in female receptivity (e.g., in green anoles).
Immediate post-copulatory unreceptivity is driven by prostaglandin rise in green anoles.

Testosterone

Testosterone promotes sperm production, sexual behavior, suppresses the immune system, and influences aggression in many species.
Testosterone is produced in the testes (males) in response to pituitary glycoprotein hormones (from the brain).
Testosterone is linked to secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., rooster wattles).
In guinea pigs, testosterone directly influences sex drive.

Testosterone and Aggression

In humans, higher endogenous testosterone levels correlate with increased aggression/dominance.
Testosterone levels rise in anticipation and after aggressive incidents.
Testosterone and aggression is linked according to The Challenge Hypothesis.

The Challenge Hypothesis

Conducted field experiments within natural environments to test the relationship of testosterone and aggression.
Demonstrated testosterone response to social challenges.

Testosterone & Aggression in Females

Females produce testosterone, and it exerts similar effects.
Increased female competition can lead to raised testosterone levels.

Testosterone and Parental Care

Testosterone levels potentially affect human paternal involvement.
Lower testosterone levels are found in married fathers compared to unmarried non-fathers. Fathers with higher care have lower testosterone. Polygnous men with high mating levels often have high testosterone.

Costs of Testosterone

Castrated males tend to live longer.
Different male morphs (e.g. orange-throated, yellow-sneaker, blue-throated) have varying testosterone levels and survival rates. High testosterone is linked to increased activity and territory defense but also decreased survival.

Aggression

Many social species exhibit dominance hierarchies.
Human competition for status can be linked to achievement, and other forms of performance.
Facial features (e.g., jaw shape) can correlate with perceived social dominance.

Parental Behavior

Parental investment varies across species. Any action increasing offspring fitness is considered parental care.
Parental investment is a trade-off—increased investment in current offspring reduces future reproductive potential.

Who Should Care?

Usually, female mammals invest more than males in raising offspring. Females also have the higher biological investment into producing the egg.
Exceptions exist in certain species (e.g., seahorses). Males may play the primary role in care.

Parental Investment

Variation in male parental investment exists. (e.g., peafowl, mute swans, jacana)
Operational sex ratio (OSR) influences male and female roles in parental care. Males often compete for females or females are selective in choosing mates.

Parental Conflict

Conflict over parental care occurs in species where both sexes can care.
Operational sex ratio substantially influences conflict over parental care.

Avoiding Misdirected Care

Avoiding caring for non-genetic offspring is a selective pressure across many social species.

Parental Cost Cutting & Brood Parasitism

Brood parasitism occurs when one individual lays eggs into another's nest.
Cuckoos provide examples of adaptations for brood parasitism like egg mimicry.

Adoption Behaviors

Adoption occurs naturally in some species.
Costs & benefits are evaluated for adoption behaviour.

Male Territory Take-Overs

Males sometimes temporarily care for the eggs of rival males evicted from their territories.

Biparental Care

Biparental care increases when both adults benefit from the care, like in birds and humans. Uncertainty over paternity and less selective care.

The Sociology Debate

Evolutionary and sociological factors can shape behavior.
Evolutionary explanations must consider broader factors. Child abuse, murder, and rape have been explored evolutionarily, but that is not the only view, and other factors must be considered.

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Description

Test your knowledge on evolutionary psychology concepts and animal behavior. This quiz covers topics such as adaptive strategies in parenting, survival techniques in cuckoo and minnows, and the influence of evolution on human behavior. Challenge yourself with questions that explore the intersection of evolution and psychology.