Q.1 What is the main focus of Evolutionary Developmental Psychology?
How cultural norms shape behavior
How genetic and evolutionary factors influence human development
How intelligence is measured in schools
How social roles are assigned in adulthood
Explanation - Evolutionary Developmental Psychology examines how evolutionary processes shape human growth and behavior across the lifespan.
Correct answer is: How genetic and evolutionary factors influence human development
Q.2 Which term refers to traits that evolved to solve specific adaptive problems in development?
Cultural adaptation
Developmental modules
Natural selection traits
Adaptive developmental traits
Explanation - Adaptive developmental traits are characteristics that evolved because they helped humans survive and reproduce at different stages of life.
Correct answer is: Adaptive developmental traits
Q.3 Who is considered a key contributor to the field of Evolutionary Psychology?
Sigmund Freud
Charles Darwin
B.F. Skinner
Jean Piaget
Explanation - Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection laid the foundation for understanding how evolutionary pressures shape behavior.
Correct answer is: Charles Darwin
Q.4 In evolutionary terms, why is early childhood considered crucial?
Because children learn languages faster
Because early traits affect survival and reproduction later in life
Because children cannot make decisions yet
Because social norms are learned only in adolescence
Explanation - Evolutionary Developmental Psychology emphasizes that traits expressed in early childhood can influence fitness and adaptive outcomes.
Correct answer is: Because early traits affect survival and reproduction later in life
Q.5 Which of the following is an example of an evolved psychological mechanism?
Attachment in infants
Preference for modern gadgets
Wearing uniforms
Reading novels
Explanation - Attachment behaviors help ensure survival by keeping infants close to caregivers, an adaptive trait shaped by evolution.
Correct answer is: Attachment in infants
Q.6 The concept of 'life history theory' in Evolutionary Developmental Psychology refers to:
The timeline of an individual's education
The pattern of growth, reproduction, and aging shaped by evolution
The history of human civilizations
The development of cultural traditions
Explanation - Life history theory studies how organisms allocate energy to growth, reproduction, and survival in ways that maximize evolutionary fitness.
Correct answer is: The pattern of growth, reproduction, and aging shaped by evolution
Q.7 Which developmental stage is particularly shaped by social learning according to evolutionary psychology?
Adulthood
Infancy
Childhood
Old age
Explanation - Childhood is critical for acquiring skills and knowledge through social learning, which has evolutionary advantages for survival.
Correct answer is: Childhood
Q.8 Why do evolutionary psychologists study cross-cultural behaviors?
To identify universal adaptive behaviors
To rank cultures by intelligence
To prove one culture is superior
To focus only on individual development
Explanation - Cross-cultural studies help determine which behaviors are shaped by evolutionary pressures rather than specific cultural practices.
Correct answer is: To identify universal adaptive behaviors
Q.9 Which of the following best illustrates an adaptive challenge in adolescence?
Learning algebra
Forming peer relationships and mate selection
Eating preferences
Watching movies
Explanation - Adolescence involves challenges such as developing social bonds and reproductive strategies that have evolutionary significance.
Correct answer is: Forming peer relationships and mate selection
Q.10 How does evolutionary developmental psychology view play in children?
As a waste of time
As practice for adult skills and problem-solving
As purely cultural entertainment
As a random behavior
Explanation - Play allows children to develop cognitive, social, and physical skills in a safe environment, enhancing survival and reproduction in adulthood.
Correct answer is: As practice for adult skills and problem-solving
Q.11 Which factor does NOT directly influence developmental adaptations according to evolutionary theory?
Genetics
Environmental pressures
Cultural practices
Astrological signs
Explanation - Evolutionary adaptations are influenced by genes, environment, and culture, not astrology.
Correct answer is: Astrological signs
Q.12 What is an example of a developmental trade-off in evolutionary terms?
Early growth vs. long-term health
Learning multiple languages
Choosing school subjects
Playing sports competitively
Explanation - A trade-off occurs when resources invested in one trait (like rapid growth) may reduce investment in another trait (like long-term health).
Correct answer is: Early growth vs. long-term health
Q.13 Which concept explains why humans have sensitive periods in development?
Critical periods shaped by evolution for optimal learning
Random timing of growth
Teacher-led schedules
Parental influence only
Explanation - Sensitive periods are times when learning specific skills or behaviors is easier, increasing adaptive success.
Correct answer is: Critical periods shaped by evolution for optimal learning
Q.14 Which is a key research method in Evolutionary Developmental Psychology?
Naturalistic observation across cultures
Purely theoretical speculation
Numerology
Dream interpretation
Explanation - Studying behaviors in natural settings and across cultures helps identify universal evolutionary patterns.
Correct answer is: Naturalistic observation across cultures
Q.15 Which behavior in infancy has evolutionary importance?
Crying to signal distress
Drawing pictures
Learning to read
Playing video games
Explanation - Crying attracts caregivers, ensuring protection and survival of the infant.
Correct answer is: Crying to signal distress
Q.16 Which theory explains why humans invest in long-term parenting?
Parental investment theory
Attachment avoidance theory
Behaviorism
Cognitive development theory
Explanation - Parental investment theory posits that investing resources in offspring increases their survival and the parent's reproductive success.
Correct answer is: Parental investment theory
Q.17 How does Evolutionary Developmental Psychology view adolescent risk-taking?
As purely reckless behavior
As adaptive exploration to gain skills and mates
As a result of poor parenting
As irrelevant to evolution
Explanation - Risk-taking in adolescence can serve adaptive purposes like exploring environments, forming social networks, and finding mates.
Correct answer is: As adaptive exploration to gain skills and mates
Q.18 Which is an example of a universal adaptive behavior in human infancy?
Sucking reflex
Playing video games
Watching cartoons
Wearing clothes
Explanation - The sucking reflex is innate and ensures that infants can feed, supporting survival.
Correct answer is: Sucking reflex
Q.19 How are temperament traits viewed in Evolutionary Developmental Psychology?
As genetically influenced characteristics that affect adaptation
As purely cultural constructs
As unimportant random differences
As solely caused by parenting
Explanation - Temperament traits have evolutionary relevance because they influence behavior, survival, and social interactions.
Correct answer is: As genetically influenced characteristics that affect adaptation
Q.20 Which aspect of adult life is studied in Evolutionary Developmental Psychology?
Romantic attachment patterns
Watching movies
Vacation preferences
Technology use
Explanation - Adult attachment behaviors can be understood as evolved mechanisms to maintain long-term partnerships and reproductive success.
Correct answer is: Romantic attachment patterns
Q.21 Why is sibling rivalry considered from an evolutionary perspective?
Because siblings compete for parental resources affecting survival
Because parents encourage competition
Because children are naturally aggressive
Because schools promote rivalry
Explanation - Siblings compete for limited resources like attention, food, and protection, which has evolutionary significance.
Correct answer is: Because siblings compete for parental resources affecting survival
Q.22 Which of the following illustrates an evolutionary approach to social development?
Humans form coalitions for mutual protection and resource sharing
Humans form social groups randomly
Social behavior is irrelevant for survival
Humans avoid cooperation
Explanation - Forming social alliances has evolutionary advantages for survival and reproduction.
Correct answer is: Humans form coalitions for mutual protection and resource sharing
Q.23 Which concept explains differences in childhood growth rates across environments?
Adaptive plasticity
Fixed development
Astrological influence
Random growth
Explanation - Adaptive plasticity refers to the ability of development to adjust to environmental conditions to maximize survival and fitness.
Correct answer is: Adaptive plasticity
Q.24 What is the main evolutionary purpose of language development?
Facilitating communication for cooperation and survival
To recite poetry
To name objects
To play games
Explanation - Language allows humans to share knowledge, warn of danger, and coordinate group activities, providing survival benefits.
Correct answer is: Facilitating communication for cooperation and survival
Q.25 Why do evolutionary psychologists study play across species?
To identify behaviors that enhance survival skills
To rank intelligence levels
To entertain scientists
To test physical strength
Explanation - Play often teaches problem-solving, social interaction, and physical skills, which are advantageous for survival.
Correct answer is: To identify behaviors that enhance survival skills
Q.26 What is the primary focus of evolutionary developmental psychology?
Studying how brain injuries affect behavior
Understanding how human development has been shaped by evolution
Analyzing cultural differences in childhood education
Investigating chemical imbalances in the brain
Explanation - Evolutionary developmental psychology examines how evolutionary processes influence patterns of growth and behavior across the lifespan.
Correct answer is: Understanding how human development has been shaped by evolution
Q.27 Which concept refers to traits that have evolved to solve specific adaptive problems during childhood?
Life history strategies
Developmental adaptations
Social learning theory
Cognitive dissonance
Explanation - Developmental adaptations are behaviors or traits that emerge during certain developmental stages because they historically increased survival or reproductive success.
Correct answer is: Developmental adaptations
Q.28 According to evolutionary developmental psychology, why do humans have prolonged childhoods?
To reduce the need for parental care
To allow extended brain development and learning
To minimize exposure to environmental dangers
Because evolution favors late reproduction
Explanation - Prolonged childhood allows humans to acquire complex cognitive, social, and survival skills necessary for adulthood.
Correct answer is: To allow extended brain development and learning
Q.29 What is the evolutionary reason behind childhood play?
It is purely recreational
It serves as practice for adult skills
It helps in regulating sleep patterns
It is a modern cultural invention
Explanation - Play behaviors often mimic adult survival activities and help children develop physical, cognitive, and social skills.
Correct answer is: It serves as practice for adult skills
Q.30 Which theory suggests that traits enhancing survival during development are naturally selected?
Attachment theory
Evolutionary theory
Developmental systems theory
Behaviorism
Explanation - Evolutionary theory posits that traits that improve survival and reproduction, including those expressed during development, are favored by natural selection.
Correct answer is: Evolutionary theory
Q.31 What is a key research method in evolutionary developmental psychology?
Twin studies and cross-cultural comparisons
MRI scans of adult brains only
Randomized clinical drug trials
Laboratory conditioning experiments with rats
Explanation - These methods help identify inherited developmental traits and their universality across cultures, reflecting evolutionary influences.
Correct answer is: Twin studies and cross-cultural comparisons
Q.32 Which of the following is an example of a developmental adaptation?
Crying in infants to elicit caregiver attention
Learning algebra in school
Reading novels for pleasure
Playing video games
Explanation - Infant crying is an evolved behavior that increases the likelihood of receiving care and protection.
Correct answer is: Crying in infants to elicit caregiver attention
Q.33 How does evolutionary developmental psychology view adolescent risk-taking?
As purely a result of peer pressure
As an adaptive behavior linked to exploration and reproduction
As a pathological behavior
As unrelated to evolution
Explanation - Risk-taking may historically increase opportunities for social status, mating, and learning about the environment.
Correct answer is: As an adaptive behavior linked to exploration and reproduction
Q.34 Which term refers to strategies individuals use across the lifespan to allocate energy to growth, reproduction, and survival?
Life history strategies
Operant conditioning
Cognitive heuristics
Attachment patterns
Explanation - Life history theory examines how organisms allocate resources over their lifetime to maximize reproductive success.
Correct answer is: Life history strategies
Q.35 Why do evolutionary developmental psychologists study cross-cultural childhood behaviors?
To understand global educational trends
To identify universal developmental adaptations
To compare parenting styles for policy making
To focus on cultural relativism
Explanation - Cross-cultural research helps reveal behaviors that are likely evolutionary adaptations rather than culturally specific practices.
Correct answer is: To identify universal developmental adaptations
Q.36 Which of the following is an example of a universal social developmental adaptation?
Forming friendships in childhood
Learning to drive
Playing video games
Using social media
Explanation - Friendship formation promotes cooperation and social learning, which are advantageous for survival and reproductive success.
Correct answer is: Forming friendships in childhood
Q.37 How does evolutionary developmental psychology explain early fear responses in children?
They are learned exclusively from parents
They are adaptive reactions to historically dangerous stimuli
They result from modern media exposure
They are random and not adaptive
Explanation - Children may be predisposed to fear snakes, heights, or strangers, which historically enhanced survival.
Correct answer is: They are adaptive reactions to historically dangerous stimuli
Q.38 Which of the following best illustrates a mismatch between evolutionary adaptations and modern environments?
Crying as an infant
Overeating sugary foods
Learning language
Developing attachment bonds
Explanation - Our ancestors evolved to prefer high-calorie foods for survival, but in modern societies, this can lead to obesity.
Correct answer is: Overeating sugary foods
Q.39 In evolutionary developmental psychology, what is the significance of sensitive periods?
Times when a behavior cannot develop
Optimal times for learning certain skills or adaptations
Random stages of emotional instability
Periods of parental neglect
Explanation - Sensitive periods are stages in development when the organism is especially responsive to environmental input critical for survival.
Correct answer is: Optimal times for learning certain skills or adaptations
Q.40 Which evolutionary concept explains why humans have a strong inclination toward storytelling?
Cultural evolution only
Social learning and transmitting adaptive information
Genetic mutations
Operant conditioning
Explanation - Storytelling may help transmit knowledge about dangers, social norms, and survival strategies across generations.
Correct answer is: Social learning and transmitting adaptive information
Q.41 How do evolutionary developmental psychologists view temperament in infants?
As entirely shaped by culture
As partially heritable and adaptive for survival
As irrelevant to development
As purely random
Explanation - Temperament traits such as sociability or reactivity may have evolved to fit different environmental niches.
Correct answer is: As partially heritable and adaptive for survival
Q.42 What role does parental investment play in evolutionary developmental psychology?
It determines cultural customs
It influences offspring survival and reproductive success
It only affects economic decisions
It is unrelated to evolutionary theory
Explanation - Parental investment theory predicts that parents allocate resources to maximize their offspring's survival and reproductive potential.
Correct answer is: It influences offspring survival and reproductive success
Q.43 Which of the following behaviors in adolescence is considered adaptive from an evolutionary perspective?
Risk-taking for social exploration
Avoiding all social interactions
Excessive sleep without purpose
Playing video games exclusively
Explanation - Exploring social networks and taking calculated risks may historically have increased status, mating opportunities, and learning experiences.
Correct answer is: Risk-taking for social exploration
Q.44 Why do evolutionary developmental psychologists study both typical and atypical development?
To create educational programs
To understand how evolution shapes both normative and variant patterns
To design pharmaceutical interventions
To compare cultures only
Explanation - Studying a range of developmental outcomes helps identify which traits are evolutionary adaptations and how they may be disrupted.
Correct answer is: To understand how evolution shapes both normative and variant patterns
Q.45 Which of the following illustrates a life history trade-off in childhood development?
Spending energy on growth instead of immune function
Learning language while sleeping
Playing games for fun
Observing cultural rituals
Explanation - Life history theory predicts trade-offs where energy allocated to one function (e.g., growth) reduces availability for others (e.g., immunity).
Correct answer is: Spending energy on growth instead of immune function
Q.46 Which is an example of a universal cognitive adaptation in children?
Language acquisition
Using smartphones
Watching television
Playing chess
Explanation - Humans are born with innate capacities for language, reflecting a universal evolutionary adaptation.
Correct answer is: Language acquisition
Q.47 Why might evolutionary developmental psychologists be interested in adolescence as a developmental stage?
It is the only stage for learning
It represents a critical period for mating strategies and social learning
It is culturally defined
It has no adaptive significance
Explanation - Adolescence is marked by puberty and social exploration, which historically increased reproductive opportunities and survival skills.
Correct answer is: It represents a critical period for mating strategies and social learning
Q.48 How does evolutionary developmental psychology interpret gender differences in childhood play?
As entirely due to socialization
As partially reflecting evolved differences in adult roles
As purely random preferences
As irrelevant to development
Explanation - Play behaviors often mirror skills needed for adult roles, such as boys engaging in rough-and-tumble play to develop physical coordination.
Correct answer is: As partially reflecting evolved differences in adult roles
Q.49 Which of the following is an example of a sensitive period in human development?
First years of language learning
Learning to ride a bicycle at age 50
Playing video games at any age
Reading novels in adulthood
Explanation - The early years are a sensitive period for acquiring language efficiently, reflecting an evolutionary adaptation for communication.
Correct answer is: First years of language learning
Q.50 Which statement best describes the concept of evolutionary mismatch in development?
All traits are perfectly adapted to modern life
Some traits evolved for past environments but may be less adaptive today
Development is unaffected by environment
Modern culture eliminates evolutionary influences
Explanation - Evolutionary mismatch occurs when traits adapted to ancestral environments are expressed in modern contexts where they may no longer be optimal.
Correct answer is: Some traits evolved for past environments but may be less adaptive today