While the process of evolution by natural selection is well understood at a general level, many open questions remain about the particular circumstances which favour the evolution of particular traits. Examples from my own research include traits such as cooperation, parental care, mate choice, sex allocation, sperm competition, sexual cannibalism, mimicry, senescence, immunity, and the placebo effect. By answering such questions, evolutionary theory helps us to see structure and logic in the otherwise confusing diversity of life. Sometimes this can be truly eye-opening, and may then contribute to positive attitudes towards science and technology in general. Evolutionary theory is also relevant to many practical problems related to health, agriculture, use of natural resources, and conflict management. After all, we as humans are ourselves a product of evolution, as are our food sources, pathogens, and any other species that matter to us.
