Key Evolutionary Concepts in Psychology
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Which of the following best describes the concept of 'genetic inclusive fitness'?

  • The ability of an individual to survive and reproduce in a given environment.
  • The degree to which an individual's genes are similar to those of their ancestors.
  • The combined genetic contribution of an individual and their close relatives. (correct)
  • The total number of offspring an individual produces.

    • Why is suicide considered a complex topic from an evolutionary perspective?

  • Suicide contradicts the instinct for self-preservation common in living organisms. (correct)
  • Suicide is a behavior that is only observed in humans and not in other animal species.
  • Suicide is a purely psychological phenomenon with no evolutionary basis.
  • Suicide directly benefits the gene pool by eliminating weaker individuals.

    • In the context of the provided text, what does the 'selfish gene' concept imply?

  • Genes are constantly in competition with each other for control over an organism's behavior.
  • Organisms are inherently selfish and prioritize their own survival above all else.
  • Genes act in a way that promotes their own propagation, even at the expense of the host organism. (correct)
  • Genes are capable of conscious thought and decision-making to ensure their own survival.

    • How does the example of the Black Lace Spider illustrate the 'selfish gene' concept?

    <p>The spider sacrifices itself to ensure the survival of its offspring, thereby maximizing the spread of its genes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of genetic inclusive fitness?

    <p>It is directly correlated with the number of offspring an individual produces. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible evolutionary explanation for the behavior of suicide bombers?

    <p>Suicide bombers might increase the fitness of their genes by ensuring the welfare of their offspring or community. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can unselfish behaviors like kin selection increase genetic fitness?

    <p>Unselfish behaviors can increase the survival chances of shared genes by helping relatives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key concept discussed in the text related to genes and behavior?

    <p>Evolutionary psychology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the selfish gene concept primarily focus on?

    <p>The survival and replication of genes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can unselfishness be viewed in terms of genetic strategy?

    <p>As a method of gene propagation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the concept of genetic inclusive fitness primarily associated with?

    <p>The total genetic contribution to future generations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the number of grandchildren a useful metric for measuring fitness?

    <p>It estimates genetic input to the next generation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might a parent's sacrifice of well-being for their children indicate from a genetic viewpoint?

    <p>An adaptive strategy for the gene's survival (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main critique of assessing fitness solely based on individual happiness?

    <p>It overlooks genetic propagation success (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the selfish gene theory challenge the notion of individual selfishness?

    <p>It places genes as the focus of natural selection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does focusing on the grandchildren tell us about a parent's genetic strategy?

    <p>It provides insights into the long-term genetic impact (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes a trait that is no longer adaptive but was adaptive in the past?

    <p>Vestigial Trait (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes exaptation?

    <p>A trait that now serves a different purpose than originally intended (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the gene's-eye view of evolution, what is the primary unit of selection?

    <p>The gene (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario illustrates the idea that genes can spread even if they negatively affect the individual?

    <p>A gene that promotes territorial behavior resulting in injury (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of an evolutionary byproduct?

    <p>Belly button from the umbilical cord (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when a mandrill becomes the alpha male?

    <p>It gains more access to mates despite higher physiological stress (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'adaptation' refer to in evolutionary terms?

    <p>A trait that is currently adaptive and serves its original purpose (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the survival of gene variants?

    <p>They can be harmful to the group but still benefit gene survival (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason why vestigial traits, such as whale pelvic bones, persist?

    <p>They do not significantly hinder survival or reproduction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an evolutionary byproduct?

    <p>A trait that exists as a consequence of other traits being selected for. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an example of an evolutionary byproduct?

    <p>The ability to walk upright in humans (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do evolutionary byproducts differ from adaptations?

    <p>Adaptations provide a direct survival advantage, while byproducts do not. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might human abilities like abstract mathematics and fine art be considered evolutionary byproducts?

    <p>They are incidental outcomes of a highly complex and adaptable brain that evolved for other reasons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between natural selection and evolutionary byproducts?

    <p>Natural selection acts on other traits that indirectly result in evolutionary byproducts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do evolutionary byproducts often persist over generations without being eliminated?

    <p>They do not significantly hinder survival or reproduction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best summarizes the concept of evolutionary byproducts?

    <p>Some traits exist as unintended consequences of other traits being selected for. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following scenarios is NOT an example of a Naturalistic Fallacy?

    <p>Arguing that since humans evolved to be social creatures, we should prioritize community well-being over individual desires. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the fundamental error in the argument that 'since humans evolved to feel that incest is wrong, incest is wrong'?

    <p>It confuses a biological predisposition with a moral imperative. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a necessary component for adaptive evolution?

    <p>A stable environment with minimal change to allow populations to adapt to a specific niche (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of the Is-Ought Problem, what kind of statement is 'Men and women should cheat'?

    <p>Moral (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is NOT an example of the Is-Ought problem?

    <p>Because plants have evolved to produce nectar to attract pollinators, we should all plant nectar-producing plants. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text states that 'we evolved to feel that incest is wrong'. What does this feeling most likely represent from an evolutionary perspective?

    <p>An evolutionary strategy to promote genetic diversity and reduce the likelihood of offspring inheriting harmful recessive genes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a TRUE statement based on the text?

    <p>Naturalistic Fallacy occurs when scientific observations are taken to justify moral claims. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The text mentions three components necessary for adaptive evolution. Which of these components involves passing information or traits from one generation to the next?

    <p>Mechanism of inheritance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the concept of exaptation?

    <p>A trait that evolves for one purpose, but later adapts to serve a different purpose. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an example of an exaptation?

    <p>The appendix in humans, once used for digestion, now serving no known purpose. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concept of exaptation demonstrate evolutionary efficiency?

    <p>It highlights that evolution often reuses existing structures or systems rather than creating new ones. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key difference between exaptation and vestigial traits?

    <p>Exaptations serve a new purpose, while vestigial traits have lost their original function. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best explains the presence of wisdom teeth in humans despite their reduced function?

    <p>They are a remnant of a trait that was once helpful for chewing tough foods. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason why vestigial traits persist even though they are no longer functional?

    <p>These traits do not significantly affect an organism’s survival or reproduction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Key Evolutionary Concepts

    • Evolutionary psychology explores the reasons behind psychological traits and behaviors.
    • Dobzhansky's quote, "Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Except in the Light of Evolution," highlights the evolutionary basis of all biological phenomena, including psychology.
    • Evolutionary psychology examines how our minds and behaviors have evolved to enhance survival.
    • Ancestors who nurtured offspring had a greater chance of passing on their genes, leading to the development of parental care as an evolved trait.
    • Preferences like a preference for sweet flavors might have evolved because sweetness signals nutritious, safe food.
    • Darwin and Wallace, while jointly developing the theory of evolution, had differing views on its application to human psychology.

    Wallace's Perspective

    • Wallace was skeptical of applying natural selection fully to higher human faculties like art, music, and spirituality.
    • He believed metaphysical forces were involved in the development of human consciousness and higher mental capacities.
    • Wallace thought that natural selection alone couldn't explain the complexities of human behavior.

    Darwin's Perspective

    • Darwin accepted the implications of natural selection as a mechanism to explain all aspects of human behavior, including physical and mental traits.
    • He saw human psychology as just another product of evolution by natural selection.
    • Darwin believed that natural selection could explain the evolution of complex, seemingly non-adaptive human behaviors like art and music.

    Psychology Based on Evolutionary Theory

    • Darwin predicted psychological research grounded in evolutionary theory.
    • Darwin viewed mental faculties as subject to the same principles as physical traits, like the traits he studied in finches.
    • Darwin recognized sexual selection, where certain traits evolved to aid in mate attraction rather than direct survival.

    Natural Selection and Morality

    • The naturalistic fallacy is confusing what is natural (is) with what ought to be (ought).
    • Just because something is natural doesn't automatically make it morally desirable, or vice versa.
    • The is-ought problem illustrates the fallacy: evolution is not equivalent to morality.

    Evolutionary Processes and Natural Selection

    • Natural processes alone are sufficient mechanisms in evolution.
    • Evolutionary processes aren't necessarily directed; they aren't driven by a predetermined plan or goal.
    • Evolution acts upon variation present within populations.

    Adaptation and Exaptation

    • Adaptations are traits that improve survival or reproduction and originated through natural selection.
    • Exaptations were initially for one purpose, but later evolved for another purpose (evolving a new function).
    • Vestigial traits are ancestral traits that have lost their original function but are retained in current species.
    • Byproducts are traits not selected for directly, but resulting from traits that were selected.

    Levels of Selection

    • Selection acts at the level of genes, not always the individual, or the species.
    • Traits can be beneficial to the gene even if they are detrimental to the individual.
    • Inclusive fitness measures genetic contribution to future generations, including relatives.

    Unselfish Behavior, Inclusive Fitness, and Genes

    • Unselfish behaviors (like helping relatives) can increase inclusive fitness when these behaviors increase the survival or reproduction of others sharing genes.
    • Organisms (as vehicles for their genes) are not inherently "selfish" in their individual actions.

    Evolutionary Byproducts

    • Evolutionary byproducts arise as side effects of traits selected for other reasons.
    • Byproducts are not necessarily adaptive, but they can persist if they don't significantly hinder survival.
    • The presence or persistence of a trait is not a measure of its adaptive value.

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    Evolutionary Psychology I (102) PDF

    Description

    This quiz delves into the foundational concepts of evolutionary psychology, exploring how psychological traits and behaviors have evolved. Key ideas include the importance of natural selection and the differing perspectives of Darwin and Wallace on human faculties. Test your understanding of how evolution influences psychology and behavior.

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