ASBio7SlidesEvolution&Behaviour

Sweet Start FinishLiquorice Allsorts 10Skittles 10Eclairs 10Minstrels 10Lindt D’Or 10

What characteristics enabled a sweet to survive longer in the bowl?

• What is the connection between the bowl of sweets and evolution?

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We are learning how to...

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Genes, heritability and behaviour

Understand behaviour in an evolutionary contextSuggest functional evolutionary explanations for human behaviour

ReasoningMaking links

Evolution

• Traits are transmitted between generations via genes.– Some traits increase the chances of survival and

reproduction.– Some traits are physical (e.g. reach, leg strength).– Most biopsychologists believe that genes can also

transmit behavioural traits.

An evolution game

• What trends were apparent in the numbers of ++, -- and +- individuals over many generations?

• How did these trends reflect the composition of the gene pool?

• How did the selection pressure influence the evolution of the population?

How much have you learned?

• Use what you have learned about evolution and behaviour to suggest an answer to this question:– Cars kill and injure many more people than

spiders do. So why are phobias of spiders quite common and phobias of cars extremely rare?

Evolution of phobia

Evolution of phobia

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Evolution of phobia

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Evolution of phobia

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Evolution of phobia

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Evolution of phobia

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Evolution of phobia

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Homework

• Explain, using an example, how evolutionary processes might influence behaviour (4 marks).

• I used to think...but now I think...