Biological Approach

Question 1

Key assumptions

Answer 1

Behaviour is influenced by central nervous system (CNS), genes and
neurochemistry
Behaviour is a product of evolution.

Question 2

Trait Theories

Answer 2

introversion - higher need to be alone

extroversion - sociably outgoing

Question 3

define the SRY gene

Answer 3

The SRY gene provides instructions for making a protein called the sex-determining region Y protein which makes the Y chromosome for boy gene

Question 4

define genotype and phenotype

Answer 4

genotype - the genetic makeup of an organism

phenotype - an individual’s observable traits, such as height, eye colour, and blood type

Question 5

define inheritance

Answer 5

the transmission of traits from parents to their offspring

Question 6

define neuroanatomy

Answer 6

the anatomy of the nervous system

Question 7

localisation of the brain function

Answer 7

the theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for different behaviours, processes or activities

Question 8

define lateralization

Answer 8

localization of function or activity on one side of the body in preference to the other

Question 9

define plasticity in the brain

Answer 9

refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience

Question 10

organisation of the nervous system

Answer 10

the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Question 11

central nervous system (cns) and autonomic nervous system (ans)

Answer 11

cns - consisting primarily of the brain and spinal cord
ans - component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal

Question 12

sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions

Answer 12

sympathetic system controls “fight-or-flight” responses parasympathetic system regulates “rest and digest” functions

Question 13

define neurochemistry

Answer 13

the branch of neuroscience that deals with the roles of atoms, molecules, and ions in the functioning of nervous systems

Question 14

role of adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones)

Answer 14

Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure and boosts energy supplies
Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhances your brain’s use of glucose and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues

Question 15

define environment of evolutionary adaptation

Answer 15

the ancestral environment to which a species is adapted

Question 16

survival of the fittest

Answer 16

individuals adapting themselves to new environments to be able to succeed and produce offspring

Question 17

fight flight freeze response

Answer 17

flight - to run away from danger
fight - to fight your way out of danger
freeze - to do nothing but stand in place when theres danger

Question 18

define sexual selection

Answer 18

a type of natural selection where mates attract each other that will benefit them, their offspring and future generations

Question 19

define genome lag

Answer 19

an environment from the past is almost nothing like an environment in the present / future

Question 20

one strength

one weakness

Answer 20

strength - culture has changed but partner preference hasn’t
weakness - it often fails to account for other influences on behaviour