3c Flashcards
Behavior genetics
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
Environment
Every nongenetic influence from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
Chromosomes
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
Complex coiled chain, double helix, molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes
Genes
The biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes, segments of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein
Genome
The complete instructions for making an organism, insisting of all the genetic material in that organisms chromosome
Identical twins
Twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
Fraternal twins
Twins who developed from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment
Heritability
The proportion of variation amount individuals that we can attribute to genes. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending on the range of populations and environments studied
Interaction
The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (like environment) depends on another factor (like heredity)
Molecular genetics
The subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes, specific genes influencing behavior
Evolutionary psychology
The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
Natural selection
The principle that amount the range of inherited trait variations, those that lead to increased reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations
Mutation
A random error in gene replication that leads to a change
As members of the same species what do we do the same
We affiliate, conform, return favors, punish offenses, organize hierarchies of status, and grieve a child’s death
What defines our human nature
Our universal behaviors
What is nature and nurture in nature vs nurture
Nature-genes
Nurture- environment
How many chromosomes does one person have
46,
23 from moms egg
23 from dads sperm
True or false, genes can be active or inactive
True, they can be active (expressed) or inactive.
What “turn on” genes from inactive to active
Environmental events
What happens when genes are turned on
They provide the code for creating protein molecules
What are protein molecules
Building blocks of physical development
What makes us human rather than chimpanzees or tulips
Shares genetic profile that makes us humans
True or false, small percentages like one percent differences in genomes matter
True, chimpanzees share 99.4% of our DNA genome, remarkably different behaviors
What gives clues to our human uniqueness
Person to person variations from the common pattern of DNA
Are traits influences by one or multiple genes?
Multiple/ groups of genes
Do identical twins have the same number of copies of genes?
No, which explains why one twin may be more at risk for certain illnesses
Are identical twins more behavioral similar than fraternal twins
On extraversion (outgoing ends) and neuroticism (emotional stability) they are
Genes being separated but still the same supports what
The idea that genes influence personality
The plural of anecdote is
Not data
Virtual twins
Same age, biologically unrelated siblings
Genetic relatives
Biological siblings and parents
Environmental relatives
Adoptive parents and siblings
What children are best for testing whether it’s environment or genetic
Adopted kids
What are stunning findings from adopted kids
Who grew up together whether biologically related or not do not much resemble one another in personality
Wen are adoptive kids more similar to biological parents
In traits such as extroverted and agreeableness, adoptees are more like biological
Family environment may not influence personality but parents do influence what
Children attitudes, values, manners, faith and politic
Heritability of a trait
The extent to which variation among individuals can be attributed to their differing genes
If heritability is 50% it means that genetic influence
Explains that 50% of the observed variation among people
True or false We can never say that percent of an individual’s personality or intelligence is inherited
True
True or false Heritability referred to which differences among people are attributable to genes
True
When differences due to environment decreases, heritability…
Increases
If environments were drastically different, heritability would be
Much lower
Our species most important similarities
Adaptive capacity
Genes and environment work together like
Two hands clapping,
Genes are what
Self regulating
Molecular genetics seek to identify
Specific genes influencing behavior
What do the genes selected in human history do
Endow us with a great capacity to learn and therefore adapt of life in varied environments
Fitness
Our ability to survive and reproduce
How are we in some ways prepared biologically for a world that no longer exists
Predisposed with ancestor genes, they ate sweets to survive famines, now a days we eat sweets and there’s obesity
Woman vs men with sex
Woman is more relational men more recreational
Woman and men pairing
Woman pair wisely
Men pair widely
Men are attracted to
Younger, narrower waisted women, peak fertility,
Woman prefer
Stick around dads, mature, dominant, bold, affluent, potential long term mating and investment in their joint offspring, support and protect
What are key criticisms of evolutionary psychology
Starts with an effect and works backward to propose an explanation,
Worry about the social consequences of evolutionary psychology, evolutionary viewpoint absolves people from taking responsibility for sexual behavior
How do you eliminate heritability to test environment
Take identical twins and put them in separate environments
