EVOLUTIONARY

PSYCHOLOGY

By- Vedika
Darwin’s Theory of evolution
 Darwin's Theory of Evolution is the widely held notion that all
life is related and has descended from a common ancestor.
 It states that random genetic mutations cause changes in
organisms which allow them to adapt to their environments
better. These beneficial mutations are preserved as they aid
survival. This process is called “Natural selection”.
 Survival of the fittest
What is evolutionary psychology?
 Evolutionary psychology is
grounded in the theory that as
genes mutate, those that are
advantageous are passed
down through a process of
natural selection. Evolutionary
psychologists attempt to
explain how certain human
behaviours are the result of
the development of our
species over time.
Tension between the 2 selections

 Sexual selection is often powerful enough to

produce features that are harmful to the
individual's survival. For example,
extravagant and colourful tail feathers or fins
are likely to attract predators as well as
interested members of the opposite sex.
 Case study: John Endler (micro evolution)
Evolution of disgust
 Psychologists have
concluded over the
years that disgust
is a protection
mechanism built
which protects us
from harmful
substances and
diseases.
 Fessler 2006
Evolution of Depression

 How would an evolutionary psychologist

explain the origin of depression? One theory
was proposed by Raison and Miller (2012).
They argue that the genes that increase one’s
risk for depression also increase one’s
immune response to infections.
Evaluation of evolutionary psychology

 Massive modularity and neuroplasticity

 Speculation about the environment
 Testability
 Most of the research is based on the 3 BLOA
assumptions and we don’t
 Genetic drifts (random variation in our genes) may be
caused due to
 Culture affects our emotions too and this is not taken
into consideration
 We assume that the roles of specific genes haven’t
changed during
Bibliography

 https://quizlet.com/71376412/evolutionary-ps
ychology-flash-cards/
 https://quizlet.com/145083470/fessler-2006-fl
ash-cards/