The theory of evolution by natural selection, evolutionary psychology and emotions

The present review describes the relationships between brain and mind considering the mind as the result of the emergent properties of the interactions of different structures of the brain and nervous system. The theory of evolution by natural selection is considered not only as the model for understanding life diversity but also for mental functioning. Evolutionary psychology, as the research program of human universal psychological adaptations, is the integration of evolutionary biology and cognitive psychology. The environment of evolutionary adaptedness, where different adaptations evolved, and the modular mind, the different kinds of circuits and programs to cope with the different but recurrent situations, are presented as the basics of evolutionary psychology. In a changing environment, which at the same time presented constant and recurrent problems, emotions evolved to deal with the constant situations that presented risks or opportunities to the preservation of the individual or his group. The emotions are considered as a conductor who coordinates all the psychological functions in a way to achieve a coherent result to increase individual or group fit to the local ecology and social environment.