New Approaches to the Evolution of Human Behavior

            Agustin Fuentes puts forth a new perspective on the evolution of human behavior in “A new synthesis: Resituating approaches to the evolution of human behavior,” which appears in Anthropology Today. Traditionally, evolution has been analyzed through basic neo-Darwinian theory. This theory places the importance on natural selection and sexual selection as forces for evolutionary change. Individuals are “fit” if they have a reproductive advantage as determined by the environment. Agustin believes that sexual selection and natural selection are not the only important evolutionary theories for anthropology. He says, “Anthropology, in a general sense, should be concerned with evolutionary theory, an incorporate relevant perspectives well beyond those that focus exclusively on the action of natural and sexual selection as the prime drivers of evolutionary change” (Fuentes).

            Fuentes introduces three additional evolutionary theories: multi-inheritance systems theory, development systems theory, and niche construction. The multi-inheritance systems theory states that the evolution of human behavior is brought about through genic, epigenetic, behavioral, and symbolic inheritance systems. Genetic inheritance follows the basic model. Epigenetic inheritance, or the physiological processes of the body above the level of the DNA, is present in all organisms. Behavioral inheritance, or social learning, is present in some animals. Symbolic inheritance is present only in humans, and comes along with language and the exchange of information. The developmental systems theory says that human behavior evolves through the constant construction and influence of demography, social interactions, cultural variations, and environmental manipulations. Niche construction uses the tri-inheritance vision model, which states human behavior results from information processing at three levels, population genetic, ontogenetic, and cultural.

            Fuentes notes the disagreements between the three perspectives, but he sees the possibility of applying all three along with the neo-Darwinian point of view to the evolution of human behavior. Fuentes sets forth a framework for approaching the evolution of human behavior. Human behavior must be seen as an evolving system, with niche construction as a core factor for the evolution. Communication and the transfer of information are key to understanding human behavior. Natural selection may not always be the most prominent force of evolutionary change.

            Fuentes illustrates his theory with the bond between owner and pet. He says, “…it appears that humans can cast this physiological, social and symbolic bonding ‘net’ beyond biological kin, beyond reciprocal exchange arrangements, beyond mating investment and in particular, beyond our species…this is of anthropological interest” (Fuentes). The interactions between pet and human could be seen as reciprocal altruism. However, Fuentes posits the human-animal interactions are a complex system of physio-behavioral engagement and shared ecologies. Animal physiologies and human physiologies can affect each other with mutual interaction and modification within a shared social network and ecology.

            There is a definite biological effect of human-animal interactions, fitting with the neo-Darwinism perspective. Human interactions with pets also have a profound social effect. Fuentes uses the example of jumping of a bridge to save your dog instead of your brother, simply because you like your dog more.

            Fuentes’ example of human-pet relationships demonstrates the interaction of the various evolutionary perspectives. He says, “Using aspects of all of these lenses, we see that this human behaviour can be explained by a variety of complex approaches wherein no one ‘driver’ or ‘architect’ is privileged” (Fuentes). Neo-Darwinism can interact with the multi-inheritance systems theory, development systems theory, and niche construction.

            As a group, we agree with Fuentes’ analysis. Human social behavior cannot be explained simply by genetics. Our interactions with others are so complex, that genes cannot be the only source of behavioral change. Fuentes’ example of human-pet relationships is an excellent way of demonstrating the interaction of all of the theories. We would like to think that the bond and relationship between our pets and us is not simply good for passing on our genes, but also contributes to our happiness.
 
For more information about Agustin Fuentes and his work, see http://anthropology.nd.edu/faculty-staff/fuentes_agustin/index.shtml.

Works Cited

Fuentes, Agustin. “A new synthesis: Resituating approaches to the evolution of human behavior.” Anthropology Today. Vol. 25 (2009). W