Sociobiology

Sociobiology is a synthesis of scientific disciplines that attempts to explain behaviour in all species by considering the evolutionary advantages of social behaviours.

Related Topics:
Synthesis - Scientific - Species - Evolutionary

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Sociobiology is often considered a branch of the biology and sociology disciplines, although it uses techniques from a plethora of sciences, including ethology, evolution, zoology, archeology, population genetics, and many others. Within the study of human societies, sociobiology is closely related to the fields of human ecology and evolutionary psychology.

Related Topics:
Biology - Sociology - Ethology - Evolution - Zoology - Archeology - Population genetics - Societies - Human ecology - Evolutionary psychology

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The term "sociobiology" was coined by Edward O. Wilson in 1975 with the publication of his landmark book, '. In the work, Wilson pioneered the attempt to explain the evolutionary mechanics behind social behaviours such as altruism, aggression, and nurturance. In doing so, Wilson sparked one of the greatest scientific controversies of the 20th century.

Related Topics:
Edward O. Wilson - Altruism - Aggression - Controversies - 20th century

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Sociobiology has remained highly controversial as it contends genes play a role in human behaviour, although sociobiologists describe this role as a very complex and often unpredictable interaction between nature and nurture. The most notable critics of the view that genes play a role in human behaviour have been Franz Boas, Richard Lewontin and Stephen Jay Gould.

Related Topics:
Genes - Franz Boas - Richard Lewontin - Stephen Jay Gould

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