PSYA01H3 Chapter 3: Chapter 3 Notes; Just like a textbook
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Charles darwin 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, both within and across species, correspond to genetic and other biological differences. Understanding these differences and their evolution allows psychologists to understand behaviour in terms of its possible origins and adaptive significance. Adaptive significance the effectiveness of behaviour in aiding organisms to adapt to changing environmental conditions. What events and conditions in a person"s lifetime might contribute to a tendency to seek or to avoid novelty. What function does novelty seeking serve in helping people adapt to the changing circumstances of life. Ultimate causes evolutionary conditions that have slowly shaped the behaviour of a species over generations. We behave as we do behave we are members of the human species. Proximate causes immediate environmental events and conditions that affect behaviour. Because we have learned to act in special ways.