Which term describes patterns or traits common to all people that are related to basic human survival and needs?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that describes patterns or traits common to all people that are related to basic human survival and needs is cultural universals. Cultural universals refer to elements, patterns, traits, or institutions that are found in all human cultures, highlighting shared aspects of human experience necessary for survival and societal functioning. These universals can include language, family structures, art, religion, and more, which all serve fundamental human needs across diverse societies.

Cultural relativism, on the other hand, emphasizes understanding a culture on its own terms without judging it against the standards of another culture, which does not pertain to common survival traits. Cultural assimilation refers to the process by which a minority group adopts the customs and beliefs of the dominant culture, while cultural diffusion describes the spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another. These concepts address relationships between different cultures rather than identifying elements that are universally applicable to all human societies.