What does evolutionary psychology attempt to explain?

Evolutionary psychology seeks to understand social behavior by examining how genetic factors and evolutionary processes have shaped behavior over time. This approach posits that many of the behaviors we observe in contemporary humans can be understood as adaptations that developed in response to historical challenges faced by our ancestors.

The theory suggests that certain traits and behaviors may have offered survival advantages, thus being passed down through generations. For instance, behaviors related to mate selection, aggression, and social bonding can be analyzed through the lens of evolutionary fitness, providing a biological basis for why individuals might act in certain ways in social contexts.

In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the core tenet of evolutionary psychology. Social behavior through learned experiences emphasizes the role of individual experiences and environment rather than genetic predispositions. Cultural influences focus on the societal context in which behaviors are formed and may overlook the biological underpinnings proposed by evolutionary psychology. Lastly, viewing social behavior merely as a reflection of society disregards the evolutionary insights regarding innate tendencies and adaptations that inform behaviors across different contexts.