From: Blunderov (squooker@mweb.co.za)
Date: Sat Jan 12 2002 - 12:04:05 MST
"What are the biosocial precursors of
extreme emotional attachment? What bio-evolutionary benefits are forwarded
through the selection of this behavioral tendancy?
Kirkasaurus Wrecks"
OK, i'll have go.
Human infants are born more helpless than all (I think?)other species, and
remain so for quite some time. (Apparently one of the penalties of a large
brain - birth has to take place before the infant is completely developed
because the head will otherwise become too large for the mother to manage.)
This helplessness severely reduces the mobility of the mother. That which is
immobile is very likely to suffer violence - a predator is very likely to
select prey on this basis.
Human infants are also very noisy (Perhaps this is part of the price of the
capacity for language?) which pretty much rules out hiding as a strategy for
avoiding danger.
If the mother cannot flee, or hide, or fight, then she must have protection.
An extreme emotional bond would help to ensure that the male will protect
the mother and infant, and provide for them.
John Lennon was right - all you need is love.
Regards
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