Are Culturally Transmitted Behaviors Always Adaptive

Question

Are culturally transmitted behaviors always adaptive?
A) Yes, otherwise they would quickly disappear.
B) No, some such behaviors are adaptive, some are neutral, and some are maladaptive.
C) No, all such behaviors are neutral.
D) No, only traits transmitted genetically can be adaptive.

Accepted Answer

Culturally transmitted behaviors can vary in their adaptiveness. Some behaviors may enhance survival and reproduction, while others may have no effect or even be detrimental to fitness. Therefore, option B is the most accurate. Option A is incorrect because not all non-adaptive behaviors would necessarily disappear quickly. Option C is incorrect because cultural behaviors can have a significant impact on an individual's fitness, making neutrality unlikely. Option D is incorrect because both genetically and culturally transmitted traits can be adaptive.