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Behavioral genetic variation, adaptation and maladaptation: an evolutionary perspective.

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Evolutionary psychology explores human adaptation via natural selection. New research suggests developmental imprecision, influenced by genetics, may underlie cognitive maladaptation in humans.

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary psychology
Human cognitive evolution

Background:

Evolutionary psychology studies human adaptation through natural selection.
Individual maladaptation exists and can be heritable.
Developmental imprecision impacts organism fitness and has genetic links.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of developmental imprecision in human cognitive maladaptation.
To investigate the evolutionary underpinnings of maladaptive conditions.

Main Methods:

Theoretical modeling of developmental processes.
Review of existing evidence on heritability and fitness.
Analysis of genetic influences on developmental imprecision.

Main Results:

Accumulating theoretical and empirical evidence links developmental imprecision to cognitive maladaptation.
Genetic factors contributing to developmental imprecision are being identified.
The precise mechanisms affecting the developing brain remain largely unelucidated.

Conclusions:

Developmental imprecision is a significant factor in understanding human cognitive maladaptation from an evolutionary perspective.
Further research is needed to understand the neurobiological pathways involved.