Which of the following best describes evolutionary psychology?

Evolutionary psychology primarily examines human behavior and cognition through the lens of evolution and adaptation. This field posits that many psychological traits — such as memory, perception, and social behavior — have developed because they offered adaptive advantages throughout human history. By understanding how these psychological traits evolved to solve problems faced by our ancestors, evolutionary psychology provides insights into why we behave the way we do today.

In contrast, focusing strictly on learned behaviors overlooks the evolutionary significance of innate mechanisms that guide human behavior, and neglecting heredity ignores the crucial role genetics and evolutionary history play in shaping psychological processes. Similarly, a method that studies only cognitive functions fails to encompass the broader range of human behaviors influenced by evolutionary adaptations, as evolutionary psychology addresses the complex interplay between cognitive functions and behavior within the context of survival and reproduction. Thus, understanding human behavior through adaptation effectively captures the essence of evolutionary psychology.