Sample Questions Week 9

EC III: Sex, Mind and Language

 

 

  1. Why is evolution not about progress?
  2. What is evolution about?
  3. Explain the “red queen” hypothesis?
  4. Explain why asexual reproduction leads to more offspring in the short term that sexual reproduction.
  5. Explain three benefits of genetic mixing.
  6. Which of these are potential explanations for the existence of sex? Explain your answers.
  7. Group selection:

a.       Define group selection.

b.      Can group selection explain cooperative behaviour?

c.       Why or why not?

d.      Can Group selection explain altruistic behaviour?

e.       Why or why not?

  1. Explain the adaptationist perspective on why the mind is modular.
  2. List some of the major questions in the origins and evolution of language.
  3. What evidence can simulations provide about the evolution of any component of the brain (eg language)?
  4. What cant be concluded from simulations?