3 main ideas in Darwins Origin of the Species:

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Evolution and Genetics
3 main ideas in Darwins Origin of the Species
1. Natural selection
2. Variability/Mutation
3. Competition for limited resources
Our psychological processes and traits are just
as much the product of evolution as our opposable
thumbs
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Evolution and Genetics
Common misconceptions about evolution
We evolved from monkeys
Evolution has a goal (and we are it)
All our evolved traits are adaptive
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Evolution and Genetics
Basic Genetics
Dichotomous trait an either-or characteristic
e.g., gender
Dominant and recessive traits
e.g., eye colour
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First Cross
Second Cross
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Evolution and Genetics
Evolutionary Psychology
- how have human brains and behavior evolved?
- how have they adapted to the environment?
- e.g., mate choice / sexual behavior
- what makes someone sexually attractive?
- do men and women have different optimal
reproductive strategies?