Stress, evolutionary, biosocial and clinical perspectives

by Galton Institute (London, England). Symposium

"All species, including our own, are ultimately exposed to stressful pressures in adjusting to the physical features of environments. The collected papers in this volume begin with direct study of these pressures in fossil and living animal populations, and in outlier human populations and traditional societies. The examples show that stress simultaneously increases energy demands and reduces reproductive fitness. In this way, limits to adaptation occur which restrict the occupation of unfavourable habitats." "In contrast, contemporary studies on our own species are normally based on less extreme circumstances. The editors have selected examples to cover the wide and diverse range of stresses which act on humans under this relatively benign scenario, where physical stresses are ameliorated through adequate nutrition and cultural factors. Biotic factors assume importance, and the interplay between genetic, physiological, psychological and social factors in emphasised. However, the energ