Human Growth and Development

D. Individual Learning Theories Individual learning theories explore how people acquire knowledge and skills through interactions with their environment, providing a foundation for understanding social, cognitive, and biological influences on development. Evolutionary Theory Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution transformed how we understand life. It explains that species evolve over generations through the principles of variation, inheritance, and selection: Variation: Individuals in a population differ in their traits and behaviors. Inheritance: Some of these traits are passed to offspring. diverse behaviors, and the emergence of new species. For example , Darwin's observations of the Galapagos finches revealed that their beak shapes evolved uniquely on each island, adapting to the specific types of food available in their environments. Natural selection favors traits that improve survival and reproduction . This applies to behavior and cognition as well—ancestors with cognitive skills for finding food, avoiding predators, and cooperating were more likely to survive and pass on their genes. Natural selection also applies to behavior and cognition. Ancestors who developed cognitive skills for survival (e.g., finding food, avoiding predators) were more likely to reproduce. Over time, these abilities evolved psychological mechanisms (EPMs) , such as detecting danger or forming social bonds, which still influence behavior today. Richard Dawkins’ Selfish Gene Theory (1976) expanded on Darwin’s work. He argued that genes drive evolution by promoting behaviors that increase their chances of survival and replication. For example: ●​ Kin Selection: Helping relatives survive even at a personal cost ensures shared genes are passed on. Worker bees risk their lives to protect the hive, even though they don’t reproduce. Selection: Traits that improve survival and reproduction are favored by the environment, gradually shaping the species. This process, known as natural selection , explains adaptations like complex organs,

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