sociobiologist
Evolution-behavior science expert
A sociobiologist studies the biological basis of social behavior in animals, including humans.
The field applies evolutionary principles to explain behaviors like altruism, aggression, and mating patterns: Sociobiologists argue that many human behaviors have genetic underpinnings shaped by natural selection.
The discipline emerged in the 1970s and remains controversial when applied to human societies.
Fitting to new conditions
- fitnessGood physical shape
- coevolutionReciprocal adaptation between interacting species
- DarwinismNatural selection theory
- speciationFormation of distinct species
Prioritizing others' wellbeing
- reciprocityMutual exchange of actions
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
- territorialityDefense of claimed space
courtship · bonding · grooming · signaling · foraging · instinct · ethology · cost-benefit
Research conducted on location
- observationAttentive watching or remark
- primatologyScientific study of apes
- cross-culturalInvolving multiple societies
- hunter-gathererPre-farming subsistence lifestyle
anthropology · publication · citation · journal · conference
State of being related
- relatednessState of being connected
- colonyDependent territorial settlement
- casteInherited social division
- hiveBee dwelling structure
pack · troop · ants · bees · primates · coalition · alliance · nepotism
Units of heredity
- DNAHereditary code molecule
- allelesVariant forms of genes
- genotypeOrganism's complete allele set
- phenotypeObservable characteristics of organism
heritability · mutation · inheritance · genome · chromosomes · epigenetics
Explaining wholes through parts
- human-natureInherent behavioral tendencies
- functionalismTheory emphasizing purposes and roles
- empiricismKnowledge through observation
adaptation
Fitting to new conditions
- fitnessGood physical shape
- coevolutionReciprocal adaptation between interacting species
- DarwinismNatural selection theory
altruism
Prioritizing others' wellbeing
- reciprocityMutual exchange of actions
- cooperationJoint action toward shared aims
- aggressionHostile or attacking behavior
territoriality · courtship · bonding · grooming · signaling · foraging · instinct · ethology · cost-benefit · tit-for-tat
fieldwork
Research conducted on location
- observationAttentive watching or remark
- primatologyScientific study of apes
- cross-culturalInvolving multiple societies
hunter-gatherer · anthropology · publication · citation · journal · conference
kinship
State of being related
- relatednessState of being connected
- colonyDependent territorial settlement
- casteInherited social division
hive · pack · troop · ants · bees · primates · coalition · alliance · nepotism
genes
Units of heredity
phenotype · heritability · mutation · inheritance · genome · chromosomes · epigenetics
reductionism
Explaining wholes through parts
- human-natureInherent behavioral tendencies
- functionalismTheory emphasizing purposes and roles
- empiricismKnowledge through observation
sociobiologistculturalist
Heritage-focused social theorist
behaviorist · environmentalist · poststructuralist · social psychologist