According to life-span developmentalist Paul Baltes (2003), the benefits conferred by evolutionary selection ________ with age.
A) increase
B) stay the same
C) decrease
D) fluctuate

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Paul Baltes, the benefits of evolutionary selection decrease with age. This is because selection favors traits that promote reproductive success, but these may not be beneficial for survival or well-being in old age. As individuals age, they may also experience declines in physical and cognitive functioning that make it harder to cope with environmental challenges. Therefore, adaptations that were advantageous earlier in life may become less useful or even maladaptive later on. Baltes called this phenomenon "selective optimization with compensation" and argued that older adults must focus on maintaining their strengths, compensating for their weaknesses, and selecting goals that are meaningful and achievable given their limitations.

According to Life-Span Developmentalist Paul Baltes (2003), the Benefits Conferred