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‘Survival of the fittest’ is a term referred to in evolution, which was proposed by Darwin’s theory of evolution. In this instance, it refers to how some aspects of communication may be universal and used by those humans, throughout evolution, who were successfully able to avoid predators and therefore able to continue to breed. Darwin is thought to be the first researcher to study body language in both humans and animals.
Darwin’s theory of evolution
Much of Darwin’s focus in this area was on facial expression and eye contact. He explored how body language such as wide eyes showed fear and the baring of teeth showed anger and felt that these were universal in helping humans to survive. For example, baring teeth might be enough to put off a potential predator or to warn them that an attack by biting was imminent.
In contemporary society, this is no longer needed, as we do not encounter fierce predators as part of a normal day but the point remains that this is still an important feature of body language, which serves a purpose in getting a message across. This is how Darwin’s theory of survival by natural selection works.
Those species who are able to use non-verbal communication as a means to help them survive gives them an advantage over those who do not use this, and therefore the genes of the species who do use this successfully are passed on through reproduction, which leads to survival of the fittest.
Facial expressions
One theory related to facial expression maintains that a facial expression relates to the amount of blood flow to the brain. This leads to a release of neurotransmitters, which makes someone have some form of emotional experience. Therefore, the response of the person from the environment causes a response such as fear, which is expressed through the face. The brain’s effect may enable someone to flee from a predator.
Eye contact
Eye contact ensures that people involved in an interaction understand what is being said. This links to survival as the communication might be to warn someone of a predator. Lack of eye contact means that the message may be lost and the person is attacked, with fatal consequences.
In contemporary times, eye contact helps people to manage social situations, and as part of surviving involves having to negotiate living socially. This shows that eye contact is still very useful in aiding survival.
The environment
Some researchers argue that rather than being an innate form of survival, body language is actually something that is learnt in cultures and so the environment plays an important part in helping someone learn appropriate non-verbal behaviours.
