Evolutionary Psychology

Our brains are elegantly designed to fit an ecological niche that existed for 99% of human existence on earth. How does this inform our understanding of current  human activity in the context of built environments, modern technology and overpopulated cities?

Ecological Niche

Environment of evolutionary adaptedness (EEA). Physical, social, and intrapersonal pressures from our ancestral past help to shape our current human design 

Social Group Size

Not too big, not too small—the goldilocks principle applied to group size. Because the size of the brain’s neocortex effectively limits group size, many of our social adaptations are in tune with cohesive groups of about 150 people. 

Dangers, Past and Present

In addition to evolutionary threats (e.g., predators and diseases), modern humans encounter a staggering array of novel threats (e.g., ionizing radiation, automobile accidents, and chain saws). 

Measuring Fluctuating Asymmetry

One way of increasing the power of detecting relationships between developmental instability and behavioral outcomes is through the use of multiple traits' fluctuating asymmetry (FA). 

Conflict in Relationships 

Forgiveness or break up: Sex differences in responses to a partner’s infidelity. 

Attachment Styles

Patterns and universals of adult romantic attachment across 62 cultural regions: Are models of self and other pancultural constructs? 

Cross-Cultural Analyses

Jealousy and the nature of beliefs about infidelity: Tests of competing hypotheses about sex differences in the United States, Korea, and Japan. 

Gordon Orians Influential Ornithologist and Ecologist

Dr. Gordon Orians is the 1999 recipient of the Cooper Ornithological Society's Loye and Alden Miller Research Award, which is given in recognition of lifetime achievement in ornithological research.