Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Evolutionary psychology theories are explanations of human behavior and mental processes that emphasize the influence of evolutionary principles such as natural selection and adaptation.
The process by which advantageous traits are passed down from one generation to another because they increase an organism's chances of survival or reproduction.
The process through which organisms change over time, developing characteristics that make them better suited for their environment and increasing their chances of survival.
The study of how genes contribute to individual differences in behavior, emphasizing the interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences.