Final answer:
The concept described in the student's question relates to evolutionary theory's impact on adaptive functioning of behaviors for survival and specifically focuses on social development. Evolutionary psychology examines how such behaviors evolved, and the answer to the question is social development, as these behaviors influence peer relationships and overall social interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Evolutionary Theory in Behavioral Development
The concept described in the student's question pertains to how evolutionary theory relates to the adaptive functioning of behavior for survival, such as peer relationships, which are influenced by our biology. Referencing biologists like Charles Darwin and psychoanalysts such as Sigmund Freud, evolutionary psychology explores personality traits and their genetic foundations, which contribute to our adaptive differences. These personality traits often have evolutionary advantages, aiding in survival and reproduction.
Behaviors and traits that exhibit adaptive functions are thought to be advantageous for an organism's survival within its environment, including the social context. Darwin's work on behaviors has set the foundation for how behaviors should also be viewed as adaptive traits. Evolutionary psychology builds on these theories by studying how behaviors have evolved to optimize human interaction, mating, parenting, and social organization.
The answer to the student's question would be (d) Social development, as it pertains directly to the adaptive functioning of behavior regarding establishing and maintaining peer relationships. Such relationships are a foundation of our biology and evolutionary heritage and are critical in human social organization and cooperation, which are key aspects of our survival.