Quiz 2
Module 2 (Evolutionary Psychology)
Question 1
Male stag beetles possess brighter colored bodies compared to females. This sex difference gives us one clue to the trait being sexually selected—which of the following would be another clue?
A. Brighter bodies indicate a weaker immune system in males only B. Males and females have similar colors in December but different colors in June
C. Females tend to be eaten by predators more often than their male counterparts
D. After mating, all offspring possess brightly colored bodies like their fathers
Answer
B. Males and females have similar colors in December but different colors in June
If only the males change and the females don’t, it would indicate a mating season some time in the early summer.
Question 2
Which of the following is the best example of reciprocal altruism?
A. Thomas runs out of eggs while baking. His neighbor lets him use a dozen of his own eggs.
B. Two students perform court-ordered community service after vandalizing Neyland Stadium.
C. Shirley loves her mom and decides to make her dinner after a long day at work.
D. Elianna studies is motivated to study by her hopes to be a doctor and help other people.
Answer
A. Thomas runs out of eggs while baking. His neighbor lets him use a dozen of his own eggs.
Thomas’ neighbor helps him, increasing the likelihood Thomas would do the same.
Question 3
Which of the following statements best explains whether or not survival is a necessary component of evolutionary fitness?
A. No, because an animal can have a trait that decreases its survival chances but increases its chances of attracting a mate.
B. Yes, because without a high degree of survival fitness, an animal will be unable to attract a mate.
C. No, because evolutionary fitness is unrelated to survival.
D. Yes, because having poor survival fitness reduces the ability to mate.
Answer
A. No, because an animal can have a trait that decreases its survival chances but increases its chances of attracting a mate.
The ability to pass down one’s genes is the most important factor to consider when evaluating evolutionary fitness.
Question 4
Which of the following decisions would best increase an individual’s evolutionary fitness?
A. Choosing to help a biological sibling but risking their own life in the process
B. Having as many mates as possible, regardless of the mates’ health
C. Exercising regularly to improve their cardiovascular health and gain muscle
D. Choosing a mate whom they know has access to resources and is fertile
Answer
D. Choosing a mate whom they know has access to resources and is fertile
Doing so would increase the likelihood that genes will be passed down to future generations.
Question 5
What do evolutionary psychologists study?
A. Human ancestors
B. Human behavior over the past
C. How behavior is impacted by genetics
D. How humans survive.
Answer
C. How behavior is impacted by genetics
Evolutionary psychology studies how behavior is influenced by evolutionary factors like our genetic code.
Question 6
In a pack of wolves, there are members who participate in hunts and those that remain back at the dens. If a male is bringing back food for his sister who stayed back with her pups, according to evolutionary psychology, what is driving this behavior?
A. Direct Fitness
B. Display Feature
C. Reciprocal Altruism
D. Indirect Fitness
Answer
D. Indirect Fitness
He is helping a genetic relative which increases the success of his genetics.
Question 7
Twenty-five year old Sabrina Carpenter wants to have children one day with the most evolutionarily fit mate she can find. Which strategy would most likely help her reach this goal?
A. Using a dating app to seek as many potential options as possible
B. Introducing herself to the firefighter that lives close by
C. Giving her number to fans she finds attractive at her next concert
D. Going to a shady side of town to go on a blind date this weekend
Answer
B. Introducing herself to the firefighter that lives close by
A firefighter’s job is to help vulnerable people, which is an optimal paternal capability.
Question 8
What is a common problem of studying evolution?
A. Certain organisms in a species have more offspring than others
B. It happens too rapidly in some organisms
C. Adaptations can take many generations to be observable
D. It is difficult to model advanced human behaviors
Answer
C. Adaptations can take many generations to be observable
Adaptation is a long process that takes place over many generations.
Question 9
Which of the following animals has the highest fitness?
A. A mouse lives for five years and has eight offspring
B. A porcupine lives for 20 years and has four offspring
C. A fox lives for 10 years and has three offspring
D. A lion lives for 40 years and has two offspring
Answer
A. A mouse lives for five years and has eight offspring
This mouse, while it does not live as long, has more offspring, and therefore has higher fitness. Fitness = reproductive success
Question 10
Which of the following statements correctly explains whether or not a species can have high fitness and display altruistic behavior?
A. No, highly fit animals typically don’t live in groups warranting altruism.
B. Yes, Hamilton’s law states we will be altruistic until the cost outweighs the benefits.
C. No, altruism requires too much sacrifice of safety, lowering fitness levels.
D. Yes, if you want to have babies you want to be nice to attract a partner.
Answer
B. Yes, Hamilton’s law states we will be altruistic until the cost outweighs the benefits.
Hamilton’s Rule states that if benefit to your fitness outweighs the increased risk/cost, then altruistic behaviors will occur. This is based on the idea that if you help the group, they will help you.