Evolutionary psychology

/ˌiː.və.luː.ʃən.ɛɹ.i saɪˈkɒl.ə.dʒi/ noun

Definition

A branch of psychology that explains mental traits and behaviors as adaptive products of natural selection over evolutionary history.

Etymology

From Latin 'evolutio' (unrolling) + Greek 'psychologia.' Psychology through the lens of evolution.

Kelly Says

Evolutionary psychology asks 'Why does the human mind work this way?' and answers 'Because it helped our ancestors survive!' — fear of snakes, attraction, jealousy all have evolutionary roots.

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