Evolutionary developmental psychology

Evolutionary developmental psychology is the study of the genetic and ecolo gical mechanisms that govern the development of social and cognitive compet encies common to all human beings and the epigenetic (gene-environment inte ractions) processes that adapt these competencies to local conditions. The basic assumptions and domains of this emerging field, as related to human l ife history and social and cognitive development, are outlined, as are impl ications for issues of importance in contemporary society.