Evolutionary Explanations for Adaptive Response

Evolutionary Theory

• Reproductive challenges faced by our ancestors can explain aggression today, suggests aggression has adaptive value
• Aggression is a behaviour which increases survival chances to enhance reproductive success
• Aggression selected via the process of natural selection 
• Natural Selection 'selects' characteristics that are advantageous and 'weeds out' those with no survival/reproductive value.

Infidelity & Jealousy

• Men have evolved different strategies to deter partners from commiting adultery
• Ranges from vigilance(watching them closely, listening to who they talk to on the phone, stopping other males interacting with them, snooping through belongings for signs of infidelity) to physical violence
• Result of male sexual jealousy and paternity uncertainty
• If man's partner is unfaithful and has a sexual relationship with another man, he runs the risk of Cuckholdry (investing resources in rearing children that aren't their own)
• Male sexual jealousy has evolved to…