Anthropology 1026F/G Chapter : Chapter Seven Summary Understanding Humans

• School: Western University
• Department: Anthropology
• Course: Anthropology 1026F/G
• Professor: Andrew Nelson

Document Summary

Major theoretical models for the evolution of behaviour on primates and there is genetic support for these. The subject of the evolution of behaviour is extremely complex because it requires research into the interactions of dozens if not hundreds or ecological and physiological variables. The fundamental principle of behavioural evolution is that aspects of behaviour are influenced by genetic factors. Because some behavioural elements are therefore inherited natural selection can act on them in the same way it acts on physical and anatomical characteristics. In mammals and birds the proportion of behaviour that s due to learning is much greater than it is in insects and most other invertebrates in which a high proportion of behaviour is directly influenced by genes. Behavioural ecology is the discipline that examines behaviour from the perspective of complex ecological relationships and the role of natural selection as it favours behaviours that increase reproductive fitness.