• Question: Why do people have emotions?

    Asked by Preety11 to Kate, Ajay, Kuntal, Pip, Reka on 16 Nov 2016. This question was also asked by BOB???, 563radg42.
    • Photo: Reka Nagy

      Reka Nagy answered on 16 Nov 2016:

      Different emotions happen due to different combinations of chemicals acting on our brains – you might have heard of some of these, for example adrenalin, that makes you feel anxious and on edge.

      As for WHY we have these emotions – it probably has to do with evolution. We need emotions to survive. For example, adrenalin caused us to run away at the sight of a sabre-tooth tiger for example – and it still allows us to react to dangerous situations.
      Emotions of care and love have to do with living in communities where different members look out for each other, which is more beneficial to the survival of the species than everyone living on their own.
      And emotions of fear are so that we feel cautious and don’t rush into things without having a decent idea of what is going to happen – otherwise we might end up dead! (or worse..expelled!)

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