What term refers to the concept that humans may develop fears of certain animals due to evolutionary factors?

The term that refers to the concept that humans may develop fears of certain animals due to evolutionary factors is "biologically prepared." This concept is grounded in the theory that certain phobias, especially those related to animals such as snakes or spiders, have been shaped by evolutionary processes. From an adaptive standpoint, it was advantageous for early humans to develop a heightened sensitivity or fear towards potentially dangerous creatures, as this could enhance survival.

Biologically prepared reflects the idea that some fears are not just learned through personal experience but are deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. This preparedness to fear certain objects or situations suggests a pre-wiring of the brain to make such associations more readily than others, which can lead to quicker learning and behavioral responses. Understanding this helps us grasp why some individuals may have a more intense fear response to specific stimuli compared to others, as it relates to how our ancestors adapted to their environments.

The other concepts mentioned relate to different aspects of learning and behavior. Counter-conditioning involves changing the emotional response to a specific stimulus, conditioned response pertains to a learned reaction to a conditioned stimulus, and operant conditioning refers to learning through the consequences of behavior. While these are important in the study of psychology, they do not specifically address the evolutionary basis of fear