Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Table of Contents - April 2012 - Volume 35, Issue 02  

Open Peer Commentary

Mechanisms by which parasites influence cultures, and why they matter

Mark Schallera1 and Damian R. Murraya1

a1 Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada. schaller@psych.ubc.ca dmurray@psych.ubc.ca http://neuron4.psych.ubc.ca/~schallerlab/

Abstract

At least four conceptually distinct mechanisms may mediate relations between parasite-stress and cultural outcomes: genetic evolution, developmental plasticity, neurocognitive flexibility, and cultural transmission. These mechanisms may operate independently or in conjunction with one another. Rigorous research on specific mediating mechanisms is required to more completely articulate implications of parasite stress on human psychology and human culture.

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