Final answer:
Evidence that emotions are biologically based includes Paul Ekman's findings on universal facial expressions and the James-Lange theory's emphasis on physiological arousal preceding emotion, as well as Antonio Damasio's work linking emotions to homeostasis and conscious thought.
Step-by-step explanation:
One piece of evidence supporting the idea that emotions are based in biology rather than in learning comes from research by Paul Ekman. He found that certain facial expressions corresponding to specific emotions appear to be universal. Even individuals from different cultures or those who are congenitally blind and have never observed these expressions can produce the same facial expressions when experiencing emotions such as happiness, surprise, sadness, fear, disgust, contempt, and anger. This indicates a biological basis for emotional expression. Moreover, biological evolution and theories like the James-Lange theory of emotion suggest that physiological arousal precedes the experience of emotions, further supporting the biological underpinnings of emotion rather than a learned response.
Additionally, Antonio Damasio proposes that emotions function to maintain homeostasis in the brain through neurotransmitters, linking emotional responses to conscious thought and decision-making. This biological feedback mechanism for emotions underscores their role in survival and their evolutionary origins.