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Azazel Bedamned (alias)

Why is reclusive behavior such an evolutionary trait?

Latest Post: January 8, 2010 at 8:19 AM

0 followers

Back in the evolutionary tree, humanity evolved as hunter-gatherers. More often than not, they relied on a group to pool their resources. Why did a certain segment evolve to isolate from the group? Then ended up being recluses and lone wolf types. Many would have also had mental illnesses. Why are these traits so prevalent in our society that say 20% of the population tend to be loners or nesters that seldom interact with neighbors? Are these just dominant genes that persist through generations or are advoidant personality types also prolific breeders?

Reply to:

Rick Murphy

January 8, 2010 at 8:19 AM

7 followers

Hi AB,

What makes you think that this is a trait "selected" for? I think usually arguing about evolution of behaviors in isolation is sketchy science. The brain and personality are pretty complex/interdependent. Introverted people have interesting qualities which might result in selection for introversion, etc. Maybe every society from the dawn of time has needed good accountants. Also, society needs explorers, travelers, captains etc who are willing to leave their family/friends and voyage far away to scout things out and bring back treasure.

Was the 20% figure your estimate? I'd be surprised if 20% of the population were reclusive in a static sense. People go through periods in their lives where they are more social and periods where they are more withdrawn. Those folks who don't talk to their neighbors may have had a wild social life, partners, kids in their twenties. Maybe now they are enjoying time to themselves.

That said society now is also a lot more isolating. I bet a lot more people qualify as "loners" now than in previous generations, as all their friends are spread across the country, they don't have an automatic huge clan to be part of, etc.