PSYA01H3 Chapter 3: Chapter 3.docx
Document Summary
Biological evolution: changes that take place in the genetic and physical characteristics of a population or group of organisms over time. Many behavioural differences among organisms correspond to genetic and biological differences. Adaptive significance: its effectiveness in aiding the organism to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Novelty seeking: tendency to engage in behaviours that lead to new experiences. To understand it we must understand both past and present conditions that influence it. Ultimate causes: events and conditions that over generations have shaped behaviour (women like strong men) Proximate causes: namely immediate environmental variables that affect behaviour (bill gates proposing) Sexual behaviours of gerbils are different when testosterone is secreted by the gerbils brothers as opposed to when the gerbil is next to sisters. (uninterested in females) Caused by two breeding strategies: one is a good sexual performer, one is a good father. Both biology and environment contribute to our personal development.
