1. What is the nature in “Nature vs Nurture”?
Evolutionary Antecedents to Behavior

2. First things first…
Discuss amongst you what “Nature vs Nurture” is and means. In 1-2 sentences, write down your definition for this concept.
Is it “nature” or “nurture”? Why?
What is “genetics”? What does that mean?
What is DNA? How do you think DNA “motivates” behavior(s)?
Give me an example
What is an “instinct”? How do you think it is related to DNA?
What is a “mutation”? Is that the same thing as a “gene variant”?

3. “Nature” vs Nurture What does “nature” refer to? What is DNA?
What is a gene?

4. “Nature” and FoxP2
An example of how a ”gene” can lead to behavioral changes
FoxP2, as has been argued, is a gene that, from a random mutation, allowed for the development of language

5. ”Nature” and DNA/Genes
Where does our DNA come from?

6. So… what has “evolution” done for us?
Ok.
So… what has “evolution” done for us?
And…
Why is it relevant to motivation?

7. Evolution… what is it? What is “evolution”? Lots of definitions...
The change, or process of change, of the characteristics of a species over several generations and relies on the process of natural selection
The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth
The gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form
Refers to change through time as species become modified and diverge to produce multiple descendant species
Changes in the properties of groups of organisms over the course of generations

8. Evolution and “Instinctual” Behavior
What is an “instinct”
Shorthand way of saying a behavior that is immediate – that is, a behavior that is not necessarily learned, that is evolutionarily conserved or is inclined to occur in certain situations based on genetics
Examples?

9. Evolution… what is it? What is “evolution”? What is “adaptation”?
What is “survival of the fittest”?
What is “selection”?
Natural Selection?
Sexual Selection?
What is “speciation”?
What is “conservation”?
Why is all of this relevant?

10. Evolution… how does it occur?
TEDx Talk – The 5 fingers of evolution
Pinky =
Population shrinkage (or growth)
Ring Finger =
Non-random mating
Middle Finger =
Mutation
Index Finger =
Movement
Thumb =
Adaptation

11. Evolution… what is conserved?
In short - many, many, many things
Within lineages –
Across lineages – aka “convergent evolution”
Bats’ and birds’ wings
Sharks’ and dolphins’ dorsal fins
Bone structure of forelimbs

12. Evolution… what (of relevance) is conserved?
Behaviors…
Eating, drinking, breathing air
Reproducing
Predicting the future
avoiding a watering hole when the lions come out
hoarding food for the winter
migrating
putting gasoline in your car
Living in groups
Social Communication
Facial Cues
“Social Complexity hypothesis” and communication correlation
Social Communication cont’d:
TED Talk – Mark Pagel

13. Evolution… what (of relevance) is conserved?

14. Evolution… and language
TED Talk – Mark Pagel
“[Language] allows you to implant a thought from your mind directly into someone else’s mind, and they can attempt to do the same to you, without either of you having to perform surgery.”
Language likened to a remote control for the TV: “and just as you use that remote control device to suit your mood, you use your language to alter the settings inside someone else’s brain to suit your interests.”
i.e. a baby in need of food.
Chimpanzees and Tool Use
Homo erectus and Neanderthals and Tools
Cumulative Cultural Adaptation
“Social Learning”
Visual Theft
“The turning point”

15. First things first…
Mark Pagel’s TED: What is “social learning”? What relevance does it have to chimpanzees and tool use or Homo erectus, Neanderthals and hand axes?
What is “cumulative cultural adaptation”?
He talks about a “turning point” in human evolution. What was it? Why was it necessary?

16. First things first… What was the point of the following picture?
He says the following, “We use our language not just to cooperate but to draw rings around our groups…” What does he mean?

17. Ok… So what’s the point
Evolution leads to the molding of our DNA through time.
DNA, which encodes proteins, neurotransmitters, receptors, etc., and moreover how our brains and bodies will develop, sets the stage for how our internal drives will be influenced by our external experiences
Rather, our evolutionary history and therefore our current genetics are nature’s influence over who and what we are and how we behave.