Biological Basis of Development Flashcards
What are adaptive traits?
Traits that promote survival
Examples of adaptive traits
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
What is a genotype?
ONes actual genetic constitution (ex. DNA)
What is a phenotype?
The observable expression of the genotype (ex. Brown hair)
The genotype influences the types of experiences you can have, what are these effects?
Positive effects, evocative effects, Active effects
What are positive effects?
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.
What are evocative effects?
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.
What are Active effects?
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.
What is “good enough parenting”?
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.
What is Epigenesis?
Gene regulating activity that does not change the DNA code itself but can be passed through generations
What is Methylation?
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.
What are the three stages of development?
Zygotic, embryonic, and fetal
What is the Zygotic period?
From conception to 2 weeks. This is when the zygote begins to duplicate. The formation of the amnion, placenta, and umbilical cord
What is the Embryonic period?
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
What is the ectoderm?
The outer layer. Becomes the nervous system and skin
What is the mesoderm?
The middle layer. Becomes the muscular system, skeletal system, and circulatory system
what is the endoderm?
The inner layer. Becomes that digestive system, lungs, urinary tract, and glands.
what is the fetal period?
From 9 weeks to birth. This is when increased growth and function occur
What are the stages of brain development?
Formation of the neural tube, Neurogenesis, migration, and then differentation.
What happens during the formation of the neural tube?
This occurs 18-24 days after conception. The brain forms a neural plate, then a deep grove forms into the plate, then it closes.
What happens during neurogenesis?
The rapid division of cells
What happens during migration?
Process of cellular movement to permanent locations in the brain
Differentiation
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
what are teratogens?
An environmental agent that causes damage during the prenatal period
What are the two kinds of experience effects?
Experience-expectant processes
Experience-dependant processes
What is the experience expectant process?
an experience Common to all members of a speices. ex. visual input, language
What is the experience dependant process?
An experience unique to the individual Ex. Music lessons facilitate musical development
What is sensitivity period?
Time in development when a certain ability is most easily acquired.
