PSYC 3201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Thermoregulation, Archaeopteryx, Sexual Coercion
12 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Every trait and/or behavior is necessarily adaptive and has been shaped by evolution for its current role. Male penises are long a corkscrew-shaped, to accommodate an equally complex vagina in females. The vaginas are complex so that forced copulation does not easily lead to pregnancy. Most young are not a result of forced copulation. Therefore, the trait of a long complex penis isn"t really beneficial. Evolved for other uses (or had no function) and was later coopted for current role. Example: genes that once coded for developing limbs in butterflies, but now is coded for developing spots. Adaption uses old genes to code for new things. Evidence suggests that feathers could have originally been used for: Capturing prey (surrounds itself with its feathers to surprise prey) Archaeopteryx (ancient half-reptile/half-bird) used claws on wings to climb trees and glide to the ground with its feathers. Evidence from modern birds capable of flight indicates use of wing-flapping for running up steep inclines.
