Download Journal Entry - Evolutionary Psychology

Environmental Science Journal
Evolution and Human Behavior
Nature vs. Nurture is a debate about the origins of our personalities and behavior. How much of our
behavior is inherited as part of our DNA, and how much of it is the result of our environment and how we
were raised?
The last part of this documentary discusses a field of biology called “Evolutionary Psychology.” This
field attempts to explain some of the general characteristics of human nature in the frame of evolution.
Consider each of these theories presented by the “Why Sex?” PBS documentary. For each theory, state
whether or not you believe it is a valid explanation for one aspect of human personality and socialization.
Explain why you believe this way. Do you think these behaviors are more influenced by our family,
home environment, and how we are raised, or are they hard-wired into our genes?
Theory #1 – Peaceful Bonobos and Violent Chimpanzees
- Bonobos are generally very peaceful animals that very seldom engage in violence. This is
believed to be due to the females forming closer bonds with each other, while the female
chimpanzees are unable to. Humans are more closely related to chipmanzees, and are considered
in their behavior to be more like them as well.
Theory #2 – Mate Selection and Scent
- Studies have shown that women are more likely to be attracted to the smell of someone with genes
that are very different than her own.
Theory #3 – Best Genes or Most Helpful?
- Women make dating choices primarily based on one of two characteristics: finding a person with
the best genes (most physically attractive) or finding a person that is the most likely to stick
around and help raise any children.
Theory #4 – Art, Music, and Culture
- Expressions of art, music, and culture are mainly an exercise in “showing off” your intellect to the
opposite sex in the hopes of attracting a mate.
Theory #5 – Sexual Relations and Parenting
- The human body is designed to make sex physically pleasurable and parenting emotionally
rewarding only because those behaviors lead to reproduction, with is biologically essential to
preserving the species.
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