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Abstract
Things change. To prolong their existence in the face of this constant flux (and thereby increase their possibilities for reproduction), organisms must change, too. The behavioral sciences have focused on the ways in which the behavior of organisms changes over time at a variety of scales: momentary decision making, learning, development, and cultural change. However, these four adaptive processes do not capture the entire story. To fully appreciate the behavior of organisms in their environment, we must take into account the evolution of their behavior as well. The behavioral sciences (primarily here psychology, but also linguistics, anthropology, and sociology) are largely only now beginning to do so in earnest. In this chapter, we will briefly explore why evolutionary adaptation has often been left out of the behavioral/cognitive picture, and what is causing it to be painted (back) in now. There is much that remains to be done in this endeavor, and we will discuss the effects this ongoing research will have on the continuing evolution of the behavioral sciences themselves.
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