◆ 139 T here are several excellent theories in nonverbal communication and new models to develop to meet emerging theoretic needs. This essay delineates how Darwin’s (1859) theory of evolution by means of natural selection (TNS) can add to the theoretic sophistication in this area by explaining multiple aspects of nonverbal communication and behavior in human relationships. I have divided this chapter into three general sections, the first of which provides an introduction to evolu- tion, in general, and TNS and evolutionary psychology, in particular. Such an introduction, although protracted, is essential to an apprecia- tion of the evolutionary approach. The second section applies the prin- ciples of TNS and evolutionary psychology to the understanding of nonverbal communication and gives specific examples of how TNS can be used to study topics of importance to nonverbal communication researchers, including emotion and attraction. Finally, I discuss the effi- cacy of TNS as a guide for nonverbal communication scholars and offer brief suggestions for researchers wishing to incorporate the theory into their own work. 8 AN EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION Kory Floyd Arizona State University 08-Manusov.qxd 6/19/2006 7:26 PM Page 139