Biological Definition

Question 1

Localization

Answer 1

The theory that the theory that certain areas of the brain correspond to certain functions.
Explanation: the idea that behavior, emotions and thoughts originate in the brain in specific locations.

Question 2

Neuroplasticity

Answer 2

The ability of the brain to change over time due to environmental factors or genetic inputs.

Question 3

Neurotransmission

Answer 3

Neurotransmitters: chemical messengers

How neurotransmitter works:

• an electrical signal comes down from the axon and generates action potential
• synaptic vesicles contain neurotransmitters to move towards pre-synaptic membrane
• neurotransmitters diffuse across the gap and attaches(binds) to the post-synaptic membrane(complementary shapes)
• after crossing the synapse, neurotransmitters fit into receptor sites on the post-synaptic membrane, like a key in a lock
• reuptake–reabsorption of neurotransmitter

Question 4

Neurotransmitters

Answer 4

The chemical messengers which transmit information from one neuron to another.
Explanation: after crossing the synapse, it binds to the post-synaptic membrane to transmit information. Then they are either broken down or reabsorbed known as reuptake.

Question 5

Hormones

Answer 5

Chemicals that affect behaviour(endocrine system)
Properties:
• they are secreted to the endocrine system
• released into the bloodstream by gland
• longer effects
• target cells(an appropriate receptor site for the hormone)

Question 6

Pheromones

Answer 6

• chemical signals that help some species communicate
• to prompt behavioural or psychological reaction
• chemical messengers that are emitted into the environment from the body where they can activate physiological or behavioural responses among the same species.
• might affect the menstrual cycle in groups of women
• they are more highly concentrated in males

Question 7

Genes

Answer 7

A unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring. (segments of DNA)

Question 8

Genetic similarities

Answer 8

Genetic similarity is referred to as relatedness. The greater the genetic similarities between two individuals or a group of individuals the higher the degree of relatedness.

Question 9

Genotype

Answer 9

The inherited genetic makeup of all organisms.

Question 10

Evolution

Answer 10

The process by which organisms change from generation to generation as a result of a change in heritable characteristics

Question 11

Evolutionary psychology

Answer 11

Evolutionary psychology is the theory that genes mutate, those that are advantageous are passed down through a process of natural selection

Question 12

Epigenetic

Answer 12

The study of how gene expression can be altered through an interaction between the environment or individual lifestyle and the genome.

Question 13

Natural selection

Answer 13

Those who adapt best to the environment will have a greater chance of surviving

Question 14

The theory of evolution

Answer 14

• Biological organisms are driven by the need to survive and reproduce
• “survival of the fittest”–The organisms that are well adapted to the environment have higher chances of surviving and producing offspring. Organisms that are less adapted die out or are unable to produce offspring
• “natural selection”–Organisms that are less adapted do not pass on genes, the adapted organisms pass on their genes as the gene pool get stronger.

Question 15

Describe one evolutionary behaviour

Answer 15

This SAQ will describe (by giving a detailed account) one evolutionary behaviour–altruistic behaviour. Evolutionary psychology is based on the assumption that biological organisms have a need to survive and the most advantageous trait will be passed down to the next generation through the process of natural selection. Based on the theory of evolution, the psychologist Dawkin proposed the selfish gene theory to explain the evolutionary origin of altruism. This theory is supported by the study of Warheken et al.

Evolution is the process by which organisms change from generation to generation as a result of the change in heritable traits. According to the theory of evolution, if certain behaviour such as altruism is the most adapted to the environment and it is beneficial to maximize the survival of genes, it will become an inherited and evolved behaviour as the genes will be passed on to the next generation through natural selection. Dawkin proposed “the selfish gene theory” to explain altruistic behaviour based on the assumption that organisms have an innate need to survive and propagate one’s own genes.
He believed that any organisms will develop certain behaviours due to the egoistic motivation to maximize the survival potential of their own genes. For example, altruistic behaviour will enhance the social relationship with the others, this could reduce the threat to the survival of one’s genes, thus providing a guarantee that the genes will be present in future generations.

Warheken et al

Question 16

Kin selection theory

Answer 16

• Evolutionary basis of altruism
⇒ Based on the assumption of the biological level of analysis that behaviour is
inherited
• Organisms may be driven by the desire to maximize survival potential of their genes rather than themselves.
• The degree of altruism depends on the genetic similarity of individuals in a group
• People are more likely to help closer relatives than distant relatives
“selfish gene theory” (Dawkins)
• Any organisms will try to maximize its “inclusive fitness” in order to guarantee that one’s own genes will be passed on to future generations
• There is an innate drive for the survival and propagation of one’s own genes
• Altruistic behaviour provides a guarantee that an individual’s genes will be present in
future generations