CH 2: Evolution, Genetics & Experience

Question 1

Explain the evolutionary significance of SOCIAL DOMINANCE (2).

Answer 1

1. Dominant (M) copulate more than non dominant (M)
   - -> ^effective in passing on their characteristics to future generations
2. Dominant (F) are ^likely maintain access to food
   - -> ^likely to prod more & healthier offspring

Question 2

Explain the evolutionary significance of COURTSHIP DISPLAY (2).

Answer 2

1. Only the suitable exchange of displays b/w a courting couple will lead to reprod.
2. Able to overcome reproductive barriers – either geographic or behavioural

Question 3

Define PKU - discuss how its informed our understanding of the genetics of behaviour.

Answer 3

• PKU = phenylketonuria = neurological disorder whose symptoms are vomiting, seizures, hyperactivity, hyper-irritability, intellectual brain damage & high levels of phenylpyruvic acid in urine
• Transmitted via single gene mutation
• Behavioural symptoms result from an int b/w genetic & environ. factors

Question 4

All behaviour is a product of interactions among what 3 factors?

Answer 4

1. The organisms genetic endowment
2. Its experience
3. Its perception of the current situation

Question 5

Describe 9 commonly misunderstood points about evolution

Answer 5

1. Evolution doesn’t proceed in a single line - more like a dense bush
2. Humans have little reason to claim evolutionary supremacy - we’re the last sp of a fam that existed for only a blip of evolutionary time
3. Evolution doesn’t always proceed slowly - rapid changes can occur (i.e. in a few generations)
4. Few products of evolution have survived to the present day - only 1% of all sp are still in existence
5. Evolution doesn’t progress to preordained perfection
6. Not all existing behaviours/structures are adaptive (i.e. belly button)
7. Not all existing adaptive characteristics evolved to perform their current function (i.e. bird wings initially limbs evolved for walking)
8. Similarities among sp don’t necc. mean that the sp have common evolutionary origins
9. Evidence that Homo sapiens mated w/ other Homo sp they encountered both within & outside of Africa - aka we’re the offspring of many Homo pops that once existed, not just the one originating in Africa

Question 6

Explain why it’s important to distinguish b/w the development of individuals & the development of individual differences

Answer 6

• Development of individuals = effects of genes & experience are inseparable
• Development of differences among individuals = effects of genes & experience are separable
• i.e. the music of an individual musician is the product of the interaction of the musician & the instrument - doesn’t make sense to ask what proportion of the music produced by the musician & what proportion by the instrument