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Biological Psychology-Lecture Slides 02-Psychology-Andrew Weeks, Slides of Biological Psychology
Biological Psychology-Lecture Slides 02-Psychology-Andrew Weeks.pdf evolution, genetics, biology of behavior, dichotomies to interactions, human evolution, fundamental genetics, genetics, behavioral development, genetic factors, psychological differences
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Topics
2.1 Thinking about the Biology of Behavior: From Dichotomies to Interactions
2.2 Human Evolution
2.3 Fundamental Genetics
2.4 Behavioral Development: Interaction of Genetic Factors and Experience
2.5 Genetics of Human Psychological Differences
Copyright ©
Universe Human Mind
Cartesian Dualism
Cartesian Dualism:
universe consists of two
elements: physical matter
and human mind (soul, self,
or spirit)
Cartesian Dualism: Mind and
brain viewed as separate
entities
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Is It Inherited or Is It Learned?
Watson, a behaviorist,
believed that all behavior
was the product of learning
(nurture)
Ethology, the study of
animal behavior in the wild,
focuses on instinctive
(nature) behaviors
Nature Versus
Nurture
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Problems of Traditional Dichotomies: Nature-or-Nurture
Many factors have an impact on
behavior other than genetics
(nature) or learning (nurture)
―Nurture‖ now encompasses
learning and environment
A schematic illustration of the way in which many biopsychologists think about the biology of behavior.
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Fossil evidence of evolution
Structural similarities among living
species suggesting common ancestors
Impact of selective breeding
Direct observation of evolution
in progress: Grant (1991)
Human Evolution: Evidence for Evolution
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Evolution and Behavior
Just as physical features can
contribute to ―fitness,‖ so do
behaviors
Some are obvious — the ability to
find food, avoid predation, etc.
Some are less obvious —
social dominance and
courtship displays
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Course of Human Evolution
• Evolution of vertebrates
• Chordates have dorsal nerve cords
• Vertebrates are chordates with spinal bones
• Evolution of amphibians
• Bony fishes leave the water briefly
• Advantages include fresh water and new food
sources
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Thinking About Human Evolution
Thinking About
Human Evolution
Evolution does not proceed in a single line
Humans have only been around for a brief period of time
Not all existing adaptive characteristics evolved to perform their current function
Fewer than 1% of all known species are still in existence
Evolution does not necessarily result in perfect design
Not all existing behaviors or structures are adaptive
Similarities among species do not necessarily mean that the species have common origins
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Thinking about Human Evolution
Homologous structures – similar
structures due to a common
evolutionary origin
Analogous structures – similar
structures without a common origin
Convergent evolution – the
evolution of similar solutions to the
same environmental demands by
unrelated species
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Human Evolution: Evidence for Evolution
The brains of
animals of
different
evolutionary
ages. Cerebrums
are shown in
yellow;
brainstems are
shown in purple.
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Evolution of the Human Brain
• The human brain has
increased in size during
evolution
• Most of the increase in
size has occurred in the
cerebrum
• Increased convolutions in
the cerebrum serve to
increase the volume of
the cerebral cortex
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Thinking about Evolutionary Psychology
Current aspects of mate
bonding in humans
appear to be predicted by
evolutionary theory
Examples:
- Men tend to value indications of fertility
- Women tend to value power and earning capacity
- Physical attractiveness predicts which women bond with men of high status
- Mate attraction strategies: for women, physical attraction; for men, displaying power and resources
- Men are more likely than women to commit adultery
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