In evolutionary psychology, what do ultimate explanations of behavior primarily focus on?

• A. The personal experiences and learning history of an individual
• B. The adaptive function and evolutionary origins of a behavior
• C. The cultural influences that shape behavioral patterns
• D. The immediate physiological mechanisms underlying a behavior

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in evolutionary psychology, explanations of behavior are categorized into two types: proximate and ultimate explanations.
2. Recognize that proximate explanations focus on immediate causes such as physiological mechanisms and personal experiences.
3. Identify that ultimate explanations address the 'why' behind a behavior, specifically its adaptive function and evolutionary origins.
4. Consider how ultimate explanations look at how a behavior may have increased survival or reproductive success over generations.
5. Conclude that ultimate explanations primarily focus on the evolutionary reasons and adaptive value of a behavior rather than immediate causes or cultural influences.