Chapter 3: Evolutionary and Biological Frameworks
Learning Objectives
By the end this chapter, you should be able to
- Summarize the history of evolutionary theory and how it continues to incorporate new knowledge.
- Interpret basic behaviors using Tinbergen’s Four Questions.
- Explain the basics of population genetics, including the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
- Describe Life History Theory and the trade-offs that result.
- Discuss how evolutionary theory impacts behavior via gene-culture coevolution.
Chapter Introduction
We often hear the phrase “evolutionary theory” and think, “Well, it’s just a theory, right?” In fact, this is a common rebuttal scientists hear when discussing evolution. However, in science, we use the word “theory” quite differently than it is used in general conversation. In reality, the way we might use the word theory in everyday conversation (e.g., hey, I have a theory about that) is actually more like a hypothesis.
A scientific theory, or theoretical framework, comes about after a significant amount of evidence accumulates. For example, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity came to be after Albert Einstein (1879-1955) spent years in thought experiments, working extensive mathematical formulas, and undergoing stringent critique from his peers. While a hypothesis is an educated guess to a research question, a theory is the thoroughly cited term paper after much reading and discussion.
Evolutionary Theory is similar, only it has been worked, revised, and updated with new evidence for over 150 years! When Charles Darwin (1809-1882) first published On Origin of the Species in 1859, he sparked over a century of discussion, debate, and scientific inquiry that resulted in the theoretical framework we use today. Because of this, any discussion of evolutionary theory requires a short history lesson first.
a widely accepted explanation of a biological or natural phenomenon based on sound evidence from rigorous empirical experiments and scientific observations.
