PSYA01H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Cytosine, Meiosis, Reciprocal Altruism
Document Summary
(1) ultimate causes - events and conditions which, over generations, have shaped the behaviour of our species, versus (2) proximate causes - immediate environmental variables that effect. Darwin proposed the idea of biological evolution the notion that populations of organisms change over time in a manner that ends up making them more suited to their environment. This has lead scientists in many areas (but especially biology and psychology) to consider the adaptive significance of the physical and behavioural characteristics of their subjects. Collected many species of animals during his voyage on the beagle and sent many of the specimens back to england for later study. Was fascinated by how well animals and plants seemed adapted to their environment. Also became interested in artificial selection a procedure by which certain animals are mated to produce offspring with desirable characteristics. Wondered if a similar process might also occur in nature a natural selection.
