Psychology 2075 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Nules, Erogenous Zone, Childbirth

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2075
• Professor: Stephen Ferguson

Document Summary

Evolutionary perspective: uses principles from evolutionary biology to explain why certain patterns of social behavior and psychological mechanisms have evolved in animals, including humans. Sociobiology the application of evolutionary biology to understanding the social behavior of animals, including humans. These in turn are related to the person"s reproductive potential and natural selection favors individuals preferring mates who would have maximum reproductive success: thus, concern with physical attractiveness may be a product of evolution and natural selection. Sociobiologists can also explain why family structure of a man, woman and their offspring is found in every society. Once a man and woman mate, there are several obstacles to reproductive success two being infant vulnerability and maternal death: infant vulnerability is greatly reduced if the mother provides continuing physical care, including breastfeeding. It is further reduced if the father provides resources and security from attack for mother and infant.