The theory of evolution, suggested by Charles Darwin, is based on the assumption that living organisms face environmental challenges. Organisms that adapt the best have a greater chance of passing on their genes to the next generations.
Organisms with specific genetic traits that enhance survival are said to be naturally selected. Natural selection is a crucial evolutionary process in Darwin’s theory.
One evolutionary explanation of behavior: disgust in pregnant women
- Nausea and loss of appetite during pregnancy may have been evolved as a way to protect the mother and the fetus against diseases which could threaten the fetus. Disgust has evolved as a food-rejection response to prevent contamination and the spread of illness.
- The theory under investigation is whether disgust has evolved to compensate for the mother and the baby’s vulnerability to disease during the first few months of pregnancy.
Study to use: Fessler et al (2005)
Evaluation of evolutionary explanations
- It is difficult to test evolutionary theories and not much is known about the life of early humans.
- Evolutionary explanations tend to focus on biological factors and underestimate cultural influences.