The Evolution of Man

[Polar]

Another theory of mine in regards of human evolution relates to psychopathy.

Unlike in apes or other primates, humans seemed to have developed extremely higher rates of psychopathy within a population number. I think this is due to humans facing predators, large and small, throughout their expansion. Activating one's survival instincts for a prolonged period of time (in fear of being stalked or attacked) can have a devastating impact on the brain; these impacts include carelessness about other life forms, greater sudden physical retaliation, extreme self-importance, and a few other factors. For some, psychopathy became a way of life, and this trait transfused into some modern humans. Psychopathy is also linked to a greater "survival instinct" in some humans with the trait, granting them greater "flight-or-fight" responses to threats.

Gorillas and chimpanzees rarely have to worry about leopard attacks, and thus do not have the need to fear for their life (if at all). Their greatest enemy is an intruding male of their species, and they don't seem to have as great self-importance in their behavior: silverback gorillas put their family first when attacked by a leopard, while humans seem to follow the rule of "every man/couple for his/their own". Back then, humans (even lone ones) seemed to be more prone to physical retaliation when a predator attacks, compared to a primate that prefers to escape (except if in groups) when a leopard attacks. So, to summarize, hominids have a greater "survival instinct" than non-hominid primates due to the constant fear of predators, especially in open and non-forested environments (where humans lived the most). Reply