Evolutionary Psychology

1. Theoretical Foundations
   1. Evolutionary Mechanisms
      1. Mutation
         1. Definition and role in genetic variation
         2. Types of mutations
            1. Point mutations
            2. Insertions and deletions
         3. Impact on fitness and adaptation
      2. Genetic Drift
         1. Concept and significance in small populations
         2. Bottleneck effect
         3. Founder effect
         4. Implications for genetic diversity
      3. Gene Flow
         1. Definition and mechanisms of gene flow
         2. Impact on genetic similarity between populations
         3. Role in adaptation and speciation
   2. Adaptive Problems Faced by Ancestors
      1. Survival Challenges
         1. Locating and securing food
         2. Avoiding predators and environmental hazards
      2. Social and Cooperative Challenges
         1. Building alliances and navigating social hierarchies
         2. Detecting and preventing deception
      3. Reproductive Challenges
         1. Mate selection and competition
         2. Ensuring offspring survival and health
   3. Concept of the Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA)
      1. Definition and historical context
      2. Characteristics and variability of ancestral environments
      3. Role in shaping cognitive and behavioral adaptations
      4. Ongoing adaptation and mismatch with modern environments
   4. Frameworks for Studying Evolved Psychological Mechanisms
      1. Domain Specificity
         1. Concept of domain-specific adaptations
         2. Examples in different cognitive and social domains
         3. Advantages and limitations compared to domain-general adaptations
      2. Modularity of Mind
         1. Definition and theories of modularity
         2. Evidence supporting the modularity of cognitive functions
         3. Critiques and alternate perspectives on modularity
         4. Implications for understanding human behavior and cognition