0

Evolutionary Perspectives on Cognition and Intelligence

Description: This quiz will test your understanding of evolutionary perspectives on cognition and intelligence.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: evolutionary psychology cognition intelligence
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which of the following is NOT a key component of the evolutionary perspective on cognition?

  1. Natural selection

  2. Adaptation

  3. Exaptation

  4. Random mutation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Random mutation is not a key component of the evolutionary perspective on cognition because it is not a directed process. Natural selection, adaptation, and exaptation are all directed processes that can lead to the evolution of cognitive traits.

According to the evolutionary perspective, what is the primary function of cognition?

  1. To solve problems

  2. To learn and remember information

  3. To make decisions

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

According to the evolutionary perspective, cognition is a general-purpose tool that can be used to solve problems, learn and remember information, and make decisions. These cognitive abilities are essential for survival and reproduction in a complex and changing environment.

Which of the following is an example of an adaptation that has evolved to improve cognitive function?

  1. The large brain size of humans

  2. The ability of birds to navigate long distances

  3. The echolocation abilities of bats

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The large brain size of humans, the ability of birds to navigate long distances, and the echolocation abilities of bats are all examples of adaptations that have evolved to improve cognitive function. These adaptations have allowed these species to better survive and reproduce in their respective environments.

Which of the following is an example of an exaptation that has been co-opted for cognitive function?

  1. The use of language by humans

  2. The use of tools by chimpanzees

  3. The use of echolocation by bats

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The use of language by humans is an example of an exaptation that has been co-opted for cognitive function. Language evolved as a way to communicate with others, but it has also been co-opted for a variety of other cognitive functions, such as planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

According to the evolutionary perspective, why do humans have such a large brain?

  1. Because it is necessary for our survival

  2. Because it is a sign of our intelligence

  3. Because it is a result of our evolutionary history

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

According to the evolutionary perspective, humans have such a large brain because it is necessary for our survival, it is a sign of our intelligence, and it is a result of our evolutionary history. Our large brain allows us to learn and remember information, solve problems, and make decisions. It also allows us to communicate with others and cooperate with each other.

Which of the following is NOT a factor that has contributed to the evolution of human intelligence?

  1. Natural selection

  2. Sexual selection

  3. Cultural evolution

  4. Random mutation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Random mutation is not a factor that has contributed to the evolution of human intelligence because it is not a directed process. Natural selection, sexual selection, and cultural evolution are all directed processes that can lead to the evolution of intelligence.

Which of the following is an example of a cognitive bias that may have evolved to improve our survival and reproduction?

  1. The confirmation bias

  2. The availability heuristic

  3. The framing effect

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The confirmation bias, the availability heuristic, and the framing effect are all examples of cognitive biases that may have evolved to improve our survival and reproduction. These biases can lead us to make quick and efficient decisions, even if they are not always accurate.

Which of the following is NOT a type of intelligence that has been identified by evolutionary psychologists?

  1. General intelligence

  2. Social intelligence

  3. Emotional intelligence

  4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is not a type of intelligence that has been identified by evolutionary psychologists. General intelligence, social intelligence, and emotional intelligence are all types of intelligence that have been identified by evolutionary psychologists and are thought to have evolved to improve our survival and reproduction.

According to the evolutionary perspective, why do humans have such a long childhood?

  1. Because it gives us time to learn and develop

  2. Because it allows us to bond with our parents

  3. Because it helps us to avoid predators

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

According to the evolutionary perspective, humans have such a long childhood because it gives us time to learn and develop, it allows us to bond with our parents, and it helps us to avoid predators. Our long childhood allows us to learn the skills and knowledge that we need to survive and reproduce in our environment.

Which of the following is NOT a challenge to the evolutionary perspective on cognition and intelligence?

  1. The problem of adaptationism

  2. The lack of evidence for natural selection

  3. The existence of cognitive biases

  4. The problem of multiple interpretations


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The lack of evidence for natural selection is not a challenge to the evolutionary perspective on cognition and intelligence because there is a great deal of evidence for natural selection in other areas of biology. The problem of adaptationism, the existence of cognitive biases, and the problem of multiple interpretations are all challenges to the evolutionary perspective on cognition and intelligence.

Which of the following is a key assumption of the evolutionary perspective on cognition and intelligence?

  1. Cognition and intelligence are products of natural selection

  2. Cognition and intelligence are adaptations that have evolved to improve survival and reproduction

  3. Cognition and intelligence are exaptations that have been co-opted for other purposes

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

All of the above are key assumptions of the evolutionary perspective on cognition and intelligence. The evolutionary perspective assumes that cognition and intelligence are products of natural selection, that they are adaptations that have evolved to improve survival and reproduction, and that they are exaptations that have been co-opted for other purposes.

Which of the following is NOT a prediction of the evolutionary perspective on cognition and intelligence?

  1. Cognition and intelligence should be heritable

  2. Cognition and intelligence should be correlated with reproductive success

  3. Cognition and intelligence should be domain-general

  4. Cognition and intelligence should be domain-specific


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Cognition and intelligence should not be domain-specific according to the evolutionary perspective. The evolutionary perspective predicts that cognition and intelligence should be heritable, correlated with reproductive success, and domain-general.

Which of the following is an example of a cognitive adaptation that has evolved to improve our ability to solve problems?

  1. The ability to use language

  2. The ability to plan ahead

  3. The ability to learn from our mistakes

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The ability to use language, the ability to plan ahead, and the ability to learn from our mistakes are all examples of cognitive adaptations that have evolved to improve our ability to solve problems. These adaptations allow us to better understand our environment and to make better decisions.

Which of the following is an example of a cognitive exaptation that has been co-opted for other purposes?

  1. The use of language for communication

  2. The use of tools for hunting and gathering

  3. The use of fire for cooking and warmth

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The use of language for communication, the use of tools for hunting and gathering, and the use of fire for cooking and warmth are all examples of cognitive exaptations that have been co-opted for other purposes. These exaptations have allowed us to better survive and reproduce in our environment.

According to the evolutionary perspective, why do humans have such a strong desire to learn and explore?

  1. Because it helps us to find food and shelter

  2. Because it helps us to avoid predators

  3. Because it helps us to find mates

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

According to the evolutionary perspective, humans have such a strong desire to learn and explore because it helps us to find food and shelter, avoid predators, and find mates. Learning and exploration are essential for our survival and reproduction.

- Hide questions