ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Evolutionary psychology

Evolutionary psychology is the study of how our minds work and why we think and act the way we do. It looks at how our behaviors, thoughts and feelings have evolved over time as humans have adapted to different situations. It tries to explain why some behaviors might have been more successful or advantageous in our evolutionary past, and why those behaviors may still be seen in humans today. For example, men may have an instinct to protect and provide for their families in order to make sure their family is safe and can survive, while women may have an instinct to remain loyal and supportive to their family in order to build a strong network for their children. These kinds of instincts evolved over time as humans adapted to different environments.