Reviewing the Options: Noise, Adaptation, and By-Product

摘要: The three broad classes of possible evolutionary explanations for suicide’s persistence in the human species are explored. Suicide is unlikely to result from random genetic noise, although mutation selection and other processes behavioral genetics may be relevant. also have come about as an adaptation, positively favored by natural inclusive fitness benefits it supposedly confers on those who take their own lives: theories proposed deCatanzaro (Behav Brain Sci 3(02):265–272, 1980), including alleged suicidogenic effect low reproductive potential burdensomeness, critiqued. This chapter concludes that suicide most likely emerged a noxious side some traits were adaptive overall, despite concomitant cost intentional self-killing. A preliminary review points aspects normal cognition responsible.