Biological Assumptions Flashcards
What is the theory of natural selection?
The notion of adaptiveness- based on Darwin’s theory that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals chance of survival and reproduction will be naturally selected(the genes will be passed on to the next generation)
An example of natural selection
Altruistic behaviour- where parents risk their lives to save their offspring
What would the theory of natural selection say about altruistic behaviour?
Altruistic behaviour is an inherited, adaptive trait because saving an offspring enhances the survival of that individuals gene pool.
Key concept of the evolutionary approach?
The environment of evolutionary adaptiveness(EEA).
What is EEA?
This is the environment to which any species is adapted and the selective pressures that existed at the time. Evolutionary psychologists don’t believe all forms of behaviour are adaptive, only the ones that ensure survival in the individuals particular environment.
An example of EEA
The explanation for why humans have such big brains relative to body size- this theory would propose that the human brain has evolved in response to the complex social organisations of our species.
In the concept of EEA, what humans are more likely to survive?
Those with particular abilities: for example, those who are better at forming alliances and forming good relationships are more likely to survive in a complex social world. Therefore the genes for such behaviours are the ones that are passed on.
What is localisation of the brain?
Refers to the principle that certain areas of the brain are responsible for different functions- they have certain jobs or tasks to carry out.
What is the cerebral cortex responsible for?
Higher order cognitive functions.
What are the four regions of the cerebral cortex?
Frontal
Parietal
Temporal
Occipital
What is the frontal lobe involved in?
Thinking and creativity- has been linked to our personalities.
What’s the role of the parietal lobe?
To receive sensory information, such as temperature, touch and pain.
What is the temporal lobe involved in?
Responsible for much of our memory processing as well as the processing of auditory information.
What is the occipital lobe responsible for?
The occipital lives are concerned with visual processing and receive information directly from the eyes.
Paul Broca studied how many patients and when?
Studied 8 patients with language problems in the 19th century.
Where is the Broca’s area and what is the disorder associated with this area?
The Broca’s area is located in the posterior portion of the left temporal lobe in the left hemisphere and is associated with significant struggle in speech production.
Where is the Wernickes area and what’s the area associated with?
The Wernickes area is in the posterior portion of the left temporal lobe in the left hemisphere and is associated with significant trouble in understanding language, however normal speech production.
What are neurons?
Neurons are electrically excitable cells that form the basis of the nervous system.
How is the flexibility of the nervous system enhanced?
The flexibility of the nervous system is enhanced by having many branches at the end of each neurons (called dendrites) so that each neuron connects with many others.
How does a neuron communicated with another?
One neuron communicates with another at a synapse, when the message is relayed by chemical messengers (neurotransmitters)
Where are neurotransmitters released from?
Presynaptic vesicles in one neuron, and will either stimulate or inhibit receptors in another neuron.
What does the neurotransmitter serotonin play a role in?
Our mood, sleep and appetite.
What has too little serotonin been found in people with?
Found in people suffering with depression.
How do some antidepressants work?
Some work by increasing the availability of serotonin at the postsynaptic receptor sites.
What have high levels of dopamine been associated with?
Symptoms of schizophrenia. This is supported by the fact that drugs that block dopamine activity reduce schizophrenic symptoms.
