ANHB1102 Study Guide - Final Guide: Sexual Selection, Inclusive Fitness, Human Behaviour
3 Jun 2018
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TOPIC THIRTEEN: Human Behaviour
Function and Evolution of Human Behaviour:
When observing human behavior, there are both proximate and ultimate
explanations. Proximate explanations ask what controls, elicits or modifies the
expression of a behavior, and looks at the outcome within the lifetime of an
individual, including processes such as genetics, physiology, development and
ecology. Ultimate explanations ask how a behavior increases survival and
reproduction, and looks at the selective advantage that has resulted in the
evolution of this particular behavior. Ultimate and proximate explanations for
behavior are not alternatives, there will always be ultimate and proximate
explanations for every behavior.
When conducting analyses of behavior, scientists use naturally occurring
variations and measure survival and reproductive success, finding that there are
correlations of behavior with environmental alternatives. The mechanisms of
control and expression of a behavior can tell scientists something about its
evolution. The selective advantage of a particular behaviour always occurs
within a context, either in a physical or biological environment. Physical
environments include environments such as forest canopies or woodland floors,
while biological environments include predators, food substances and
conspecifics.
There are a number of general questions that scientists have abour human
behaviour. The first concerns human universals – what is true of all humans and
different from other species? The second is about human diversity – what is true
of some humans and not others? The final question is about human plasticity –
how does developmental context shape human behaviour?
Controls of Behaviour:
Like explanations for behaviour, there are proximate and ultimate controls of
behaviour. Proximate controls of behaviour can be immediate (e.g. fast
responses, such as reflexes) or intermediate (e.g. expression gained through
development or hormonal influence). Ultimate controls of behaviour work
through the environment and natural selection shaping the levels of control and
behaviour itself. When scientists are looking at the controls of behaviour, they
ask how fast must this response occur to increase the probability of survival.
Individual Selection of Behaviour:
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Document Summary
When observing human behavior, there are both proximate and ultimate explanations. Proximate explanations ask what controls, elicits or modifies the expression of a behavior, and looks at the outcome within the lifetime of an individual, including processes such as genetics, physiology, development and ecology. Ultimate explanations ask how a behavior increases survival and reproduction, and looks at the selective advantage that has resulted in the evolution of this particular behavior. Ultimate and proximate explanations for behavior are not alternatives, there will always be ultimate and proximate explanations for every behavior. When conducting analyses of behavior, scientists use naturally occurring variations and measure survival and reproductive success, finding that there are correlations of behavior with environmental alternatives. The mechanisms of control and expression of a behavior can tell scientists something about its evolution. The selective advantage of a particular behaviour always occurs within a context, either in a physical or biological environment.
