Module 12

what are the three main criticisms of the evolutionary explanation of human sexuality?

(1) it starts with an effect and works backward to propose an explanation. (2) unethical and immoral men could use such explanations to rationalize their behavior toward women. (3) this explanation may overlook the effects of cultural expectations and socialization.

how do evolutionary psychologists use natural selection to explain behavior tendencies?

Evolutionary psychologists seek to understand how our traits and behavior tendencies are shaped by natural selection, as genetic variations increasing the odds of reproducing and surviving are most likely to be passed on to future generations. Some variations arise from mutations (random errors in gene replication), others from new gene combinations at conception. Humans share a genetic legacy and are predisposed to behave in ways that promoted our ancestors' surviving and reproducing. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is an organizing principle in biology. He anticipated today's application of evolutionary principles in psychology.

How might an evolutionary psychologist explain male-female differences in sexuality and mating preferences?

They both use selective traits and appetites

What are the key criticisms of evolutionary explanations of human sexuality, and how do evolutionary psychologists respond?

critics argue that evolutionary psychologists (1) start with an effect and work backward to an explanation (2) do not recognize social and cultural influences, and (3) absolve people from taking responsibility for their sexual behavior. evolutionary psychologists respond that understanding our predispositions can help us overcome them. They also cite the value of testable predicitons based on evolutionary principles as well as the coherence and explanatory power of those principles.

how do evolutionary psychologists explain gender differences in sexuality?

evolutionary psychologists theorize that women have inherited their ancestors tendencies to be more cautious, sexually, because of the challenges associated with incubating and nurturing offspring. Men have inherited an inclination to be more casual about sex, because their act of fathering requires a smaller investment

would the heritability of aggressiveness be greater in Belyaev and Trut's foxes, or in a wild population of foxes?

heritability of aggressiveness would be greater in the wild population, with its greater genetic variation in aggressiveness

How are Belyaev and Trut's breeding practices similar to, and how do they differ from, the way natural selection normally occurs?

over multiple generations, Belyaev and Trut have been selecting foxes that exhibit the desired trait of tameness and breeding them to produce tame foxes. This is similar to the process of natural selection, except these breeders were seeking tameness, and natural selection, Which also includes mutation, normally favors traits that lead to reproductive success.