Psychology 2075 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Penis Envy, Genital Stage, Human Sexual Activity

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2075
• Professor: William Fisher

Document Summary

Sociobiology: the application of evolutionary biology to understanding the social behaviour of animals, including humans. For example, certain sexual behaviours evolved because they gave our ancestors an evolutionary advantage. Evolution: a theory that all living things have acquired their present forms through gradual changes in their genetic endowment over successive generations. For example, in terms of evolution what counts is producing healthy, viable offspring who will carry on one"s genes. Natural selection is a process in which the individuals who are best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on their genes to the next generation. Would judge attractiveness because this is indicative of the health and vigour of the individual. This in turn would relate to the reproductive potential, the unhealthy are less likely to produce vigorous offspring. Natural selection would favour individuals preferring mates who would have reproductive success. Dating, hanging out etc. are similar customs much like the courtship of other species.