Summarize Chagnon's central argument about violence among the Yanomami, as well as one of the alternative explanations for it described in the text
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: The ideal answer will include:
1. Napoleon Chagnon took a biological, Darwinian position and argued that the violence among the Yanomami could be understood as an evolutionary process.
2. In this process successful warriors gain more wives and thus have a higher reproductive rate and genetically pass on "fierceness" to sons.
3. An alternative explanation offered by Marvin Harris, a cultural materialist, suggests that territorial violence is prompted by the lack of game in certain areas and can be understood as a means to gain valuable protein.
4. A third view based on historical data is offered by Brian Ferguson, who argues that Western involvement has increased violence in several ways, such as by introducing competition for valuable trade goods.
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