Re: Evolution and Love

On Wed, 9 Nov 2005 11:50:22 -0500 (EST), "ysimonson" <simonson@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>Hey,
>I was wondering how the theory of evolution accounts for love, a
>feeling commonly found in all mammalian species.
>
>For example, evolutionary psychologists believe that males are
>constantly looking for new mates while females try to keep their mates
>for protection. While this, to some extent may be true, it doesn't
>account for the feelings of love and monogamy. Take, for instance,
>prairie voles, 80% of whom remain widows all their life after their
>mate dies.
>
>PS - No I am not a creationist/ID trying to look for evidence against
>the theory of evolution, I'm just curious of if and how the theory
>accounts for certain phenomenons.
>
>Thank you
>
Based on the new finding that nerve growth factor increases in "early stage
romantic love" (Psychoneuroendocrinology 2005), I suggest the following:

"When we experience things new, we produce a stress response. This
produces the DHEA to cortisol ratio. If the experience produces more DHEA
than cortisol, this produces "good" responses; if cortisol is too high,
this is a "bad" response.

DHEA increases nerve growth factor; cortisol reduces it. One falls in love
with another who increases their DHEA to cortisol response. As the
"newness" dissipates, the effects of growth caused by DHEA and NGF also
dissipates. If the original, and subsequent, effects are strong enough, a
"bond" is formed by growth caused by DHEA and NGF."

James Michael Howard

.

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