Name: evolutionary psychology and human behavior
Uploaded: 2024-08-29T22:13:37.000Z
Duration: 1 min 20 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Next Generation Science Standards

High School

Life Science

ecosystems-interactions-energy-and-dynamics

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

HS-LS2-8

Evolutionary Psychology

La psicología evolutiva examina cómo la selección natural, una teoría propuesta por Charles Darwin, influye en el desarrollo del comportamiento humano y los procesos mentales.
La psicología evolutiva sugiere que muchos comportamientos humanos comunes, como las reacciones al miedo, las estrategias de apareamiento y la cooperación social, se originaron como adaptaciones evolutivas que aumentaron la supervivencia ancestral y el éxito reproductivo.
Por ejemplo, el miedo común a las serpientes entre los humanos sugiere que los primeros humanos que temían a las serpientes tenían más probabilidades de sobrevivir y transmitir este rasgo a las generaciones futuras.
En la selección de pareja, se favorecen los rasgos que indican buena salud y fertilidad porque aumentan las posibilidades de producir descendencia saludable.
Los comportamientos cooperativos humanos, como el trabajo en equipo y el altruismo, han evolucionado para impulsar tanto la supervivencia individual como el éxito comunitario.
La investigación transcultural realizada por psicólogos evolutivos indica que, a pesar de las variaciones culturales, los mecanismos psicológicos básicos como las preferencias alimentarias y la selección de pareja son similares entre los humanos, lo que sugiere una base evolutiva para muchos comportamientos.

psicología evolutiva

La psicología evolutiva explora los orígenes del comportamiento humano y los procesos mentales enmarcándolos en el contexto de la selección natural, una teoría famosamente propuesta por Charles Darwin. Este campo afirma que muchos comportamientos comunes en las sociedades humanas, que van desde reacciones de miedo instintivo hasta interacciones sociales complejas, surgieron como adaptaciones evolutivas. Estas adaptaciones mejoraron la supervivencia y el éxito reproductivo de nuestros antepasados, quedando así arraigadas en la psique humana a lo largo de generaciones. 

Un excelente ejemplo de este tipo de adaptación es el miedo humano generalizado a las serpientes. Este miedo es casi universal y sugiere que los primeros humanos que poseían una cautela innata hacia las serpientes tenían una mayor probabilidad de supervivencia, evitando encuentros potencialmente mortales. A medida que estos individuos sobrevivieron y se reprodujeron, el rasgo de aversión a las serpientes se transmitió y se intensificó a lo largo de las generaciones sucesivas. 

En el área de la selección de pareja, la psicología evolutiva ofrece información sobre por qué ciertos rasgos son universalmente atractivos. Los atributos que indican salud y fertilidad, como la vitalidad física y la juventud, a menudo se prefieren porque están asociados con un mayor éxito reproductivo. Esta preferencia indica que la selección natural ha moldeado los deseos humanos, influyendo en las cualidades que resultan atractivas en las parejas potenciales. 

De manera similar, las conductas cooperativas como el trabajo en equipo y el altruismo no son solo normas sociales, sino que se consideran a través de la lente de la psicología evolutiva como adaptaciones vitales. Es probable que dichas conductas otorgaran importantes ventajas de supervivencia a los primeros grupos humanos al mejorar su capacidad para cazar, recolectar, protegerse entre sí y resolver problemas comunitarios.

Para sustentar estas hipótesis, los psicólogos evolucionistas utilizan una variedad de métodos de investigación, incluidos experimentos controlados, estudios transculturales y análisis de datos exhaustivos. Estos métodos ayudan a comprender cómo los rasgos psicológicos profundamente arraigados cumplen funciones adaptativas. Curiosamente, los hallazgos de dichos estudios a menudo demuestran que, a pesar de las enormes variaciones culturales, los mecanismos psicológicos básicos que impulsan las conductas son sorprendentemente consistentes en diferentes poblaciones humanas. Esta consistencia subraya un componente genético significativo de los rasgos conductuales, lo que sugiere que muchos aspectos de la psicología humana son herencias comunes moldeadas por las fuerzas de la evolución. Este enfoque no solo ayuda a comprender los comportamientos actuales, sino también a predecir cómo los humanos podrían adaptarse a los cambios ambientales futuros, manteniendo la relevancia de los principios de Darwin para comprender no solo de dónde proviene la humanidad, sino también hacia dónde se dirige.

Psicología evolutiva

La psicología evolutiva examina cómo la selección natural, una teoría propuesta por Charles Darwin, influye en el desarrollo del comportamiento humano y la salud mental.

Education

Educación

JoVE Core

Introduction to Psychology

Introducción a la Psicología

Unit 1

Unidad 1

Biopsychology

Biopsicología

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

TÉRMINOS Y CONCEPTOS CLAVE

evolutionary psychology and human behavior

Evolutionary psychology explains human behavior and mental processes through natural selection. It uses Darwin’s idea that traits can spread when they help survival and reproduction. In this view, some common behaviors may be adaptations that were useful to our ancestors.

One clear example is fear of snakes. This fear is nearly universal, which suggests that early humans who avoided snakes were more likely to survive deadly encounters. Over many generations, that caution could be passed on and strengthened.

Evolutionary psychology also helps explain mate selection. Traits that signal health and fertility, such as youth and physical vitality, are often seen as attractive because they may support reproductive success. Natural selection may have shaped these preferences over time.

The field also looks at teamwork and altruism, or helping others. These cooperative behaviors likely gave early human groups an advantage in hunting, gathering, protection, and solving shared problems. Researchers study these ideas with controlled experiments, cross-cultural studies, and data analysis.

Studies in this area often find that core psychological patterns are similar across many human populations, even when cultures are very different. That consistency suggests a strong genetic component to behavior. Evolutionary psychology can also help scientists think about how humans may adapt to future environmental change.

Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

introduction to biological bases of psychology

introduction-to-biological-bases-of-psychology

Biological Factors Shaping Behavior and Mind

Biopsychology connects biology and psychology by showing how the body influences behavior and mental processes. It focuses on the nervous system, neurotransmitters, hormones, genetics, and evolutionary ideas. Together, these areas help explain why people think, feel, and act the way they do. The nervous system is the main foundation of biopsychology. It has two parts: the central nervous system, or CNS, and the peripheral nervous system, or PNS. The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord and...

nervous system

Nervous System: CNS, PNS, and Reflexes

The nervous system helps the body sense, move, and respond. It works through a network of nerve cells that carry signals around the body. This system has two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system, or CNS, includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain acts as the body’s control center. It processes sensory information and helps coordinate responses. The spinal cord serves as a major pathway for signals between the brain and the rest...

neurons as communicators of the brain

Neuron Parts and Signal Transmission

Neurons are the cells that carry information through the brain and nervous system. They use electrical and chemical signals to help control body functions, from heartbeat regulation to complex thinking. Their structure is built for fast, efficient communication. The cell body, or soma, is the neuron’s control center. It contains the nucleus, which holds the cell’s genetic material and helps maintain the neuron’s health and function. The cytoplasm around it contains organelles that make...

neuronal communication

How Neurons Send Signals

Neurons send signals through electrochemical communication that supports brain and nervous system function. A key part of this process is the action potential, a rapid electrical change that starts when the neuron’s internal charge rises above a threshold. That signal then travels along the axon to the axon terminal, where it is ready to pass to another neuron. The connection point between two neurons is called a synapse. Synapses can be electrical or chemical, and each type moves information...

neurotransmitters

Brain Chemicals That Shape Mood and Movement

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help neurons communicate. They play a major role in nervous system function, as well as in mood, movement, sleep, and social behavior. Serotonin is made in the brain and intestines. It is linked to well-being and happiness, and it helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. When serotonin levels are out of balance in the brain or in peripheral sites, depression and sleep problems can occur. Dopamine is produced in several brain areas, including the...

cerebral hemispheres

How the Brain’s Two Halves Work

The brain’s two cerebral hemispheres work together to process information and control the body. The left and right hemispheres are linked by the corpus callosum, a large bundle of nerve fibers. This connection lets the two sides share sensory and motor information, with each hemisphere controlling the opposite side of the body. The hemispheres are also specialized for different tasks. This is called lateralization, which means certain functions are handled more strongly by one side than the...

lobes of the cerebrum

How Brain Lobes Shape Perception

The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres, and each hemisphere has four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital. Together, these lobes support the brain’s main cognitive and sensory jobs. They work as a team to help you think, feel, move, and respond to the world. The frontal lobe sits behind the forehead and acts as a control center for personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movement. It also contains the prefrontal cortex, a region that helps with planning,...

spinal cord

Spinal Cord Nerves and Reflexes

The spinal cord is a major part of the central nervous system. It runs from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It helps keep the body stable and carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord sits inside the bony spine for protection. It is divided into 30 segments that match the vertebrae. Each segment connects to a specific body region through paired spinal nerves. These spinal nerves are grouped by where they leave the...

lateralization

Brain Hemisphere Specialization

Brain hemisphere specialization divides mental tasks between the left and right sides of the brain. This split can improve neural efficiency and support more complex human abilities. Each hemisphere tends to handle the work it does best, which helps cognitive processing run more smoothly. The left hemisphere is especially strong in logic and language-related tasks. It supports analytical thinking, which means breaking a problem into parts and solving it step by step. This is important for...

human genetics

Genes, Behavior, and Mental Health

Human genetics explains how genes can influence behavior, emotions, and mental health. It also shows how a person’s genetic code can shape physical traits and the risk of disease. Each individual carries a unique set of genes, so the effects can be subtle or more noticeable. Genes help direct how the brain, hormones, and cells work. These body systems are all shaped by genetic instructions, and they help produce differences in thoughts and behavior. Human genetics therefore links biology with...

genetic material

Chromosomes, DNA, and Inherited Traits

Chromosomes, DNA, and inherited traits explain how genetic information is organized in the human body. Each cell contains a nucleus, and the nucleus holds 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. These chromosomes are tightly coiled structures made of DNA, which carries the instructions passed from parents to offspring. An individual inherits one set of chromosomes from the mother through the egg and one set from the father through the sperm. This combination creates a unique genetic makeup. Of...

genetic variation

How Alleles Shape Inherited Traits

Genetic variation helps explain why individuals in the same species can look and act differently. It comes from differences in DNA sequences. This diversity matters because it helps a species survive and adapt when the environment changes. Variation starts at fertilization, when an egg and sperm cell join. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, so the fertilized egg can have up to 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, which are the basic units of heredity. <br...

behavioral genetics and its designs

How Behavior Genetics Studies Inheritance

Behavior genetics studies how inherited genes influence human behavior. It looks at how genes passed from parents to offspring help shape behavioral traits and tendencies. The field also examines how inherited factors and environmental influences work together. Researchers use family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies to separate genetic and environmental effects. Family studies track traits within biological families to find possible genetic patterns. They have helped identify...

organization of the brain

Brain Regions and Their Key Functions

The brain is the main control center of the nervous system. It processes sensory input, makes decisions, and directs body actions. Its structure is divided into the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, and each part supports important functions. The hindbrain sits at the base of the brain. It helps regulate automatic life processes. The medulla oblongata controls involuntary functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure. Nearby, the pons acts as a bridge between brain regions,...

evolutionary psychology

Evolutionary psychology explains human behavior and mental processes through natural selection. It uses Darwin’s idea that traits can spread when they help survival and reproduction. In this view, some common behaviors may be adaptations that were useful to our ancestors. One clear example is fear of snakes. This fear is nearly universal, which suggests that early humans who avoided snakes were more likely to survive deadly encounters. Over many generations, that caution could be passed on and...

neuroplasticity

How the Brain Rewires Itself

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to learning, experience, or injury. It allows neural circuits to reorganize over time. This flexibility supports lifelong development and adaptation. One part of this change begins when dendrites and axons grow. Dendrites receive signals, and axons send them. As they grow, the brain’s circuitry becomes more complex and can support more connections. Next, synaptogenesis occurs. Synaptogenesis is the...

brain imaging

Brain Scanning Techniques

Brain scanning techniques help scientists and doctors see the structure and activity of the human brain. These methods support the diagnosis, study, and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The main techniques include computerized axial tomography, or CT, positron-emission tomography, or PET, magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, and transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS. CT scans use X-ray technology to build detailed...

the endocrine system

Endocrine Glands and Hormone Signals

The endocrine system is a network of glands that send hormone signals through the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that help control many body functions. They enter the bloodstream and travel to cells with the right receptors, or target sites, so the signal can be received. Because of this, hormone effects are widespread, unlike the more localized effects of neurotransmitters. This signaling helps the body keep a stable internal environment, called homeostasis. Several major glands...

somatosensory, motor, and association cortex

somatosensory-motor-and-association-cortex

Brain Cortex Areas for Sensation and Movement

The brain cortex uses separate areas for sensation, movement, and higher thinking. The somatosensory cortex is in the parietal lobes. It helps the brain interpret touch, temperature, and proprioception, which is awareness of body position. The somatosensory cortex has an organized map of the body. Neurons at the top of this region mainly process signals from the lower body. Neurons at the bottom handle input from the upper body. This layout helps the brain locate sensory input with precision.

major hormones and their functions

Hormone Imbalances and Their Effects

Hormones are chemical messengers made by endocrine glands. They help control body functions and keep internal conditions stable. When hormone levels shift too far up or down, normal body processes can be disrupted. Several major hormones have clear roles in the body. Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It supports social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Low oxytocin can affect social interaction and stress response, and it may contribute to depression.

inheritance

Genes, Traits, and Mendel's Rules

Genes, traits, and Mendel's rules explain how characteristics pass from parents to offspring. Gregor Mendel's pea plant experiments changed how scientists understand heredity. His work showed that traits are controlled by discrete units inside organisms called genes. Genes usually come in pairs. One gene is inherited from each parent, and together they make a person's genotype. Genotype is the genetic blueprint for potential traits. Examples include blood type, eye color, and inherited...

gene-environment interactions

How Environment Shapes Gene Expression

Environmental factors can change how genes are expressed. Gene expression is a dynamic process, and traits can differ even in people with the same DNA. Radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress all help shape the final outcome. The reaction range helps explain this process. It means genes set a possible range for a trait, while the environment helps decide where a person falls within that range. For example, genetics may allow a height range from 5'5" to 6'1", but nutrition,...

heritability

Heritability and the Environment

Heritability describes how genetic differences contribute to trait variation in a population. It is a statistical measure, so it shows how much of the spread in a trait can be linked to genes across a group. It does not tell you how “genetic” a trait is in an individual person. Heritability is usually expressed as a percentage. That percentage can change depending on which population is studied and what environmental conditions are present. This means heritability is context-dependent, not...

natural selection and adaptation

Adaptation in Changing Environments

Natural selection explains how organisms become better suited to their environments over time. It favors individuals with traits that improve survival and reproduction. Adaptation is the result. It includes genetic changes that help an organism function in specific conditions, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes. Adaptation is not only physical. Psychological adaptation also helps organisms, especially humans, succeed in their surroundings. These responses come from both...

natural selection and mating preferences

How Selection Shapes Mate Choice

Natural selection and mating preferences work together to shape how organisms survive and reproduce. Natural selection favors traits that help an organism fit its environment. Mating preferences are part of sexual selection, which influences who mates with whom and how genes are passed on. Evolutionary psychologists argue that these preferences are tied to instincts that support reproduction. For females, conception, pregnancy, and nursing create a strong need to choose mates who can offer...

criticisms of the evolutionary perspective

criticisms-of-the-evolutionary-perspective

Social Learning vs. Evolutionary Psychology

Social learning theory and evolutionary psychology offer two different ways to explain sexual behavior. A study in which strangers gave students compliments and then asked for casual sex showed a clear gender gap. None of the women said yes, while 70% of the men agreed. Evolutionary psychology explains this result by arguing that natural selection may have shaped women to be more selective about sexual partners. From this view, selectivity can help improve survival and reproductive success. It...

key terms and concepts

Explore how evolutionary psychology explains human behavior, from snake fear and mate choice to teamwork, altruism, and research methods.

Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Introduction to Psychology offers an engaging learning experience on the fundamental principles of psychology through concise video lessons. Students will explore important topics such as cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and neural mechanisms, establishing a strong foundation in the study of the mind and human behavior. This series provides an accessible and captivating approach to grasp the essential concepts of the discipline.

introduction to psychology

heredity-inheritance-and-variation-of-traits

Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits

HS-LS4-1

HS-LS4-2

How Data are Classified: Categorical Data

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Relative Frequency Distribution

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Ogive Graph

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Histogram

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Relative Frequency Histogram

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Scatter Plot

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Bar Graph

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analysis-of-earthworm-populations-in-soil

Analysis of Earthworm Populations in Soil

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bacterial-growth-curve-analysis-and-its-environmental-applications

Bacterial Growth Curve Analysis and its Environmental Applications

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Tree Survey: Point-Centered Quarter Sampling Method

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Use mathematical and or computational representations to support explanations of factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on quantitative analysis and comparison of the relationships among interdependent factors including boundaries, resources, climate, and competition. Examples of mathematical comparisons could include graphs, charts, histograms, and population changes gathered from simulations or historical data sets.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include deriving mathematical equations to make comparisons.]

HS-LS2-1

What is Central Tendency?

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Arithmetic Mean

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Geometric Mean

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Harmonic Mean

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Trimmed Mean

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Weighted Mean

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Root Mean Square

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What is a Mode?

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Median

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Multiple Bar Graph

As the name suggests, a multiple bar graph is the same as a bar graph but has multiple bars to depict relationships between different data values. One can ...

Pareto Chart

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Pie Chart

A pie chart (or a pie graph) is a circular graphical chart or a pictorial representation of categorical data. It is divided into slices of pie each ...

What is Biodiversity?

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Exponential Population Growth Model
ExpandNOTE: In these experiments you will use computer software to simulate different types of growth models. ...

Threats to Biodiversity

There have been five major extinction events throughout geological history, resulting in the elimination of biodiversity, followed by a rebound of species ...

Species Distribution and Biogeography

Simulating Colonization and Extinction on Islands
ExpandForm groups of three. One member of the group will simulate colonization by throwing balls into ...

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Measuring Biodiversity

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Conservation of Declining Populations

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Conservation of Small Populations

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Biodiversity and Human Values

Human civilization relies on biodiversity in many ways. Sudden changes in species biodiversity result in environmental changes that can modify weather ...

Distribution and Dispersion

Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with their environment and with one another. An important aspect of ecology is understanding where species ...

Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales. [Clarification Statement: Examples of mathematical representations include finding the average, determining trends, and using graphical comparisons of multiple sets of data.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to provided data.]

HS-LS2-2

Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

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