Some Basic Assumptions of EDP
- All evolutionarily-influenced characteristics develop, and this requires examining not only the functioning of these characteristics in adults but also their ontogeny.
- All evolved characteristics develop via continuous and bidirectional gene-environment interactions that emerge dynamically over time.
- Development is constrained by genetic, environmental, and cultural factors.
- An extended childhood is needed in which to learn the complexities of human social communities and economies.
- Many aspects of childhood serve as preparations for adulthood and were selected over the course of evolution (deferred adaptations).
- Some characteristics of infants and children were selected to serve an adaptive function at specific times in development and not as preparations for adulthood (ontogenetic adaptations).
- Children show a high degree of plasticity, or flexibility, and the ability to adapt to different contexts.
Read more about this topic: Evolutionary Developmental Psychology
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