3C- Genetics, Evolutionary Psychology and Behavior Flashcards
Every non-genetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
Environment
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
Behavior genetics
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain genes
Chromosome
A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosome
DNA
The biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosome; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein
Genes
It is expressed; the coding sequence is copied in a process called transcription
Active genes
Opposite of active genes
Inactive genes
The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes
Genome
Monozygotic; twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in toe, creating genetically identical organisms
Identical twins
Dizygotic; twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. Genetically no closer than brothers and sisters
Fraternal twins
Biological parents and siblings
Genetic relatives
Adoptive parents and siblings
Environmental relatives
The proportion of variation among individuals that we Cana tribute to genes
Heritability
Differences between individuals does not imply heritable group differences
Group differences
The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor depends on another factor
Interaction
Genetically influenced traits evoke significant responses in others
Evocative influence
The subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes
Molecular genetics
The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
Evolutionary psychology
The principle that those genes that lead to increased reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on go succeeding generations
Natural selection
A random error in a gene replication that leads to a change
Mutation
Adapt to live and varied environment
Adaptation
Ability to survive and reproduce
Fitness
_______ that contribute to survival are found throughout cultures
Behaviors, such as living with families
_________ which helped our ancestors survive may harm us today
Genetic traits, also things such as eating sweets which is leading to obesity today
Asking more questions about behavior rather than physical attributes
“Second Darwinian Revolution”
Studies suggest men have a stronger tendency towards sex
Gender differences in sexuality
Prefer:
- in their 20s
- healthy, fertile-looking (smooth skin and youthful appearance)
Male preferences
Prefer:
- seem mature, dominant, bold and affluent
- mates with the potential long-term mating and investment in their joint offspring
- capacity to support and protect
Female preferences
Backward theorizing- don’t have to predict
Gender inequality’s impact
Critiques to the evolutionary perspective
Influences:
- shared human genome
- individual genetic variation
- prenatal environment
- sex-related genes, hormones, and physiology
Biological influences
Influences:
- gene-environment interaction
- neurological effect of early experiences (such as in the womb)
Psychological influences
Women- relational
Men- recreational
Approach to sex
Teen boys more excited about ______
Mid-20s men prefer ________
Older men prefer ________
Older
Similar age
Younger
______ selects _________ that increase likelihood of sending one’s genes into the future
Nature; behavior
We are the product of _______ and ________ but we are also am open system
Nature; nurture
Our hopes, goals, and expectations help influence our ______
Future
Influences:
- parental influences
- peer influences
- culture attitudes and norms
Social-cultural influences on individual development
Studied divorce rates among 1500 same-sex middle aged twin pairs; result: if you have a fraternal twin who has divorced, the odds of your divorcing go up 1.6 times; if you have an identical twin wink has divorced, the odds of your divorcing go up 5.5 times
McGue and Lykken
Surveyed 850 US twin pairs; identical twins, more than fraternal twins, reported being treated alike; conclusion: in explaining individual differences, genes matter
Loehlin and Nichols
Studied 80 pairs of identical twins reared apart; found similarities not only in tastes and physical attributes but also personality, abilities, attitudes, interests, and even fears; studied in Minneapolis “the Twin City”
Bouchard
