PSYB30H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Optimal Design, Exaptation, Pleistocene
Document Summary
Variation: there is variation in design as a species. Inheritance: some of these differences are heritable (some are heritable acquisitions ex: a scar) that we pass to our offspring. Selection: diff in design make differential impacts change environment and how we reproduce. Identify natural selection: evolution of adaptive characteristics because of the survival benefits bested on those who have them. Evolutionary processes: sexual selection: evolution of adaptive characterizes b/c of reproductive success. Intrasexual competition (within the sexes) ex: stags" antlers (reproductive advantage) Goal is only to survive to reproduce (trying to maximize) Members of one sex species end up competing to members of the other sex. Sex that does the choosing finds what is desirables should increase of evolve in frequency. Intersexual selection (between the sexes) ex: peacocks plumage (bright and beautiful) or preference. Easier selective advantage due to plumage opposed to natural selective disadvantage.
