Biological Basis of Development

Question 1

What are adaptive traits?

Answer 1

Traits that promote survival

Question 2

Examples of adaptive traits

Answer 2

Infants poor visual acuity: At birth, babies have very bad vision. The world could overwhelm them
tate aversion learning: Having a bad reaction to eating something and not wanting to eat it again

Question 3

What is a genotype?

Answer 3

ONes actual genetic constitution (ex. DNA)

Question 4

What is a phenotype?

Answer 4

The observable expression of the genotype (ex. Brown hair)

Question 5

The genotype influences the types of experiences you can have, what are these effects?

Answer 5

Positive effects, evocative effects, Active effects

Question 6

What are positive effects?

Answer 6

When parents of the with similar genotypes to their child provide an environment that stimulate that genotype. For example, a child inherits musical ability from parents, and they are raised in a music rich environment.

Question 7

What are evocative effects?

Answer 7

The childs genotype elicits different repsonses from the environment. For example, a shy child will elicit different response from their peers than an outgoing child.

Question 8

What are Active effects?

Answer 8

A childs genotype influences the type of environments they will pick. For example, a child with a more musical genotype will chose to be in environments that have music.

Question 9

What is “good enough parenting”?

Answer 9

Sandra Scarr talks about how its the idea that parents dont have to be so concerned with the environment they set up for their children.

Question 10

What is Epigenesis?

Answer 10

Gene regulating activity that does not change the DNA code itself but can be passed through generations

Question 11

What is Methylation?

Answer 11

Effects the gene governing the stress response system. If the methyl group is present, there is poorer regulation of stress. If the mythl group is absent, there is better regulation of stress.

Question 12

What are the three stages of development?

Answer 12

Zygotic, embryonic, and fetal

Question 13

What is the Zygotic period?

Answer 13

From conception to 2 weeks. This is when the zygote begins to duplicate. The formation of the amnion, placenta, and umbilical cord

Question 14

What is the Embryonic period?

Answer 14

This. period sets the groundwork for all body systems. from 2-8 weeks. The three layers of cells are formed. There is the ectoderm, mesodderm, and endoderm

Question 15

What is the ectoderm?

Answer 15

The outer layer. Becomes the nervous system and skin

Question 16

What is the mesoderm?

Answer 16

The middle layer. Becomes the muscular system, skeletal system, and circulatory system

Question 17

what is the endoderm?

Answer 17

The inner layer. Becomes that digestive system, lungs, urinary tract, and glands.

Question 18

what is the fetal period?

Answer 18

From 9 weeks to birth. This is when increased growth and function occur

Question 19

What are the stages of brain development?

Answer 19

Formation of the neural tube, Neurogenesis, migration, and then differentation.

Question 20

What happens during the formation of the neural tube?

Answer 20

This occurs 18-24 days after conception. The brain forms a neural plate, then a deep grove forms into the plate, then it closes.

Question 21

What happens during neurogenesis?

Answer 21

The rapid division of cells

Question 22

What happens during migration?

Answer 22

Process of cellular movement to permanent locations in the brain

Question 23

Differentiation

Answer 23

The neurons become specialized
Then synaptogenesis begins, which is a process in which synapses form and new connections can be made. Mylenation happens (fatty substance formed), and cell and synaptic pruning occur

Question 24

what are teratogens?

Answer 24

An environmental agent that causes damage during the prenatal period

Question 25

What are the two kinds of experience effects?

Answer 25

Experience-expectant processes
Experience-dependant processes

Question 26

What is the experience expectant process?

Answer 26

an experience Common to all members of a speices. ex. visual input, language

Question 27

What is the experience dependant process?

Answer 27

An experience unique to the individual Ex. Music lessons facilitate musical development

Question 28

What is sensitivity period?

Answer 28

Time in development when a certain ability is most easily acquired.