Development, microevolution, and social behavior.

Abstract

The central questions of social development--from the roots of mother-infant attachment to the plasticity of aggressive behavior--pivot on the relations between genetic and ontogenetic sources of variance. It is proposed that (a) developmental, experiential, and microevolutionary processes typically collaborate, rather than compete, in achieving social adaptation; (b) social behavior patterns are mostly closed to modification in the course of development and across generations, but avenues of vulnerability exist in ontogeny and microevolution for dynamic, rapid, and reversible changes in key features; (c) a general avenue for change is delay or acceleration in the developmental onset of one or more features of the behavior pattern, which in turn modifies the functions and properties of the adaptive configuration; and (d) the features of social behavior that are open to rapid change in ontogeny should be open as well to rapid changes in microevolution, although different underlying processes may be involved. Empirical findings from the investigation of aggressive interactions are used to illustrate this proposal on the dual genesis and coincident adaptation of social behaviors.

Social Reactivity and D1 Dopamine Receptors: Studies in Mice Selectively Bred for High and Low Levels of Aggression

“…The largely unidirectional outcome of the selective breeding program has been established in several key previous studies (Cairns et al 1983), and observed in replicate lines (using sibling offspring starting in the 512 generation and identical assessment procedures) established at the Pennsylvania 5tate University (Cairns et al 1990). Although the criterion for selective breed ing was male attack behavior, effects that parallel those obtained with males have been obtained with females in postpartum tests.…”

Developmental Dynamics: Toward a Biologically Plausible Evolutionary Psychology.

“…Wright, 1994). Fueled in large part by the influence of sociobiology on the behavioral sciences over the past several decades, proponents of evolutionary psychology assert that applying insights from evolutionary theory to explanations of human behavior will stimulate more fruitful research programs and provide a powerful framework for discovering evolved psychological mechanisms thought to be forged by natural selection operating over thousands of generations (Bjorklund & Pellegrini, 2000Buss, 1989Buss, , 1991Charlesworth, 1986;Tooby & Cosmides, 1990b).Ideas gleaned from evolutionary biology have certainly influenced theory building in psychology (see Cairns, 1998;Cairns, Gariepy, & Hood, 1990;Edelman, 1989;Gottlieb, 1991Johnston, 1985;Sameroff, 1983). There is little doubt that the incorporation of evolutionary principles and perspectives into the psychological sciences can provide a useful heuristic framework for exploring the origins and nature of human psychological mechanisms (e.g., Deacon, 1997;Edelman & Tononi, 2000;Stewart & Cohen, 1997).…”

“…Ideas gleaned from evolutionary biology have certainly influenced theory building in psychology (see Cairns, 1998;Cairns, Gariepy, & Hood, 1990;Edelman, 1989;Gottlieb, 1991Johnston, 1985;Sameroff, 1983). There is little doubt that the incorporation of evolutionary principles and perspectives into the psychological sciences can provide a useful heuristic framework for exploring the origins and nature of human psychological mechanisms (e.g., Deacon, 1997;Edelman & Tononi, 2000;Stewart & Cohen, 1997).…”

Genética de la Violencia

“…Aun las disposiciones genéticas más agresivas, como se ha observado en el comportamiento animal, que resultan de cruzamientos selectivos y que originan linajes predispuestos genéti-camente al ataque, no resultan inmunes a la influencia morigeradoro de comunidades menos belicosas. Así, por ejemplo Robert Cairns (42)(43) aprovechando la rápida multiplicación de las ratas logra una microevolución que confirma la dinámica de la relación entre el organismo y su entorno.…”