In the United States, stepchildren who are less than two years of age are 100 times more likely to suffer abuse at the hands of stepparents than of genetic parents.Evolutionary psychologists evoke the principle of ____________ to explain this disturbing statistic.
A) diffusion of responsibility
B) inclusive fitness
C) natural selection
D) differential parental investment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inclusive fitness refers to an evolutionary theory that suggests individuals are more likely to help relatives because it increases the chances of their own genes being passed on. This principle explains why genetic parents might be less likely to abuse their own children compared to stepchildren.

In the United States, Stepchildren Who Are Less Than Two