(Teacher)
Theory 1: (PBS/NOVA) Peaceful bonobos and Violent Chimpanzees. Because chimpanzees are closely related to humans it is likely that some humans act very much like the violent chimpanzees, however, many humans are peaceful too. Although I would be more likely to state that the reason is within our DNA by strictly looking at the data for both primates, I am actually a believer in both nurture and nature, as evidenced by the fact that although most children are raised by the same people and can have siblings that are completely different in personality traits. Therefore, my belief is that DNA has a large part in who we become and nature has a large part as well. Culture and society also have a part in who we become.
Theory 2: (PBS/NOVA) Mate selection and Scent. Although studies have shown that women are more likely to mate with someone who smells different than them, it is not exactly the genetic primordial soup mixture that creates our DNA gene pool which determines who we become. That primordial soup may contribute to the result but it certainly does not have the single chemical recipe for a peaceful or a violent person. Outside influence has more to do with that mixture becoming a good or a bad person.
Theory 3: (PBS/NOVA) Best Genes or most helpful. This is interesting in that the idea is that women make mate choices based on either the best looking or the one that can take care of the offspring of the couple. Although many studies have shown both of these ideas to be accurate, it would seem that the longest lasting couples are those that choose each other on the most helpful and that the relationships that are shortest are the ones based on the best genes. This would mean that the relationships built on looks are influenced by media and social norms, while the ones that last the longest are based on substance and may be hard wired in our DNA.
Theory 4: Art, Music, and Culture. (PBS/NOVA) I actually think this is a valid hard-wired theory as evidenced by the many different species this tactic works with. From birds to mammals and even reptiles, the show of a mating dance or song is a method that seems to work well. This is definitely an animal trait.
Theory 5: Sexual Relations and Parenting. (PBS/NOVA) This is another animal trait that is not just a human trait. All animals seem to follow their own season of mating, and humans seem to do it more often. However, many mammals engage in sex for pleasure, especially those that are related to the primate species.
Works Cited
PBS/NOVA,. Evolution - Why Sex?. 2012. Web. 14 May 2016.
