Measuring perceived fitness interdependence between humans and non-humans

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Conservation science
• Psychology

Background:

• Conservation ethics, or moral concern for non-human organisms, is common but lacks a clear evolutionary explanation.
• Existing theories suggest cooperation between humans and other species may underpin conservation ethics.
• Understanding the origins of varying moral concern for different species is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate scales measuring perceived fitness interdependence (PFI) and conservation ethics.
• To empirically investigate the eco-evolutionary foundations of conservation ethics and behavior.
• To provide tools for studying the link between perceived shared fate and moral concern for other species.

Main Methods:

• An online study with 651 participants was conducted.
• Exploratory factor analysis was used to develop two scales: Perceived Fitness Interdependence (PFI) and Conservation Ethics.
• Both scales were designed to have two factors and demonstrated good internal reliability.

Main Results:

• Two reliable scales were developed: PFI and Conservation Ethics.
• The PFI scale measures perceived shared fate as an indicator of human fitness interdependence with non-human organisms.
• The Conservation Ethics scale measures moral beliefs and attitudes toward non-human organisms.

Conclusions:

• The study provides empirical tools to investigate the eco-evolutionary basis of conservation ethics.
• Perceived fitness interdependence may be a key factor in understanding why people care about other species.
• These findings integrate insights from evolutionary anthropology, psychology, and behavioral ecology.