Chapter 2: Biological Beginnings

Question 1

evolutionary psychology

Answer 1

emphasizes the importance of adaptation, reproduction, and “survival of the fittest” in shaping behavior

Question 2

DNA

Answer 2

complex molecule with a double helix that contains genetic information

Question 3

genes

Answer 3

hereditary information composed of DNA; genes direct cells to reproduce themselves and manufacture the proteins that maintain life

Question 4

chromosomes

Answer 4

threadlike structures made up of DNA

Question 5

genotype

Answer 5

a person’s genetic heritage; the actual genetic material

Question 6

phenotype

Answer 6

the way an individual’s genotype is expressed in observed and measurable characteristics

Question 7

Down syndrome

Answer 7

chromosomally transmitted form of intellectual disability, caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21

Question 8

epigenetic view

Answer 8

development is the result of an ongoing, bidirectional interchange between heredity and environment

Question 9

germinal period

Answer 9

2 weeks after conception; includes creation of zygote, continued cell division, and attachment of zygote to uterine wall

Question 10

embryonic period

Answer 10

2-8 weeks/2 months after conception; rate of cell differentiation intensifies, support systems for the cells form and organs appear

Question 11

fetal period

Answer 11

2 months after conception and lasts for about 7 months

Question 12

teratogen

Answer 12

any agent that can potentially cause a birth defect/negatively alter cognitive and behavioral outcomes

Question 13

1st stage of childbirth (longest)

Answer 13

uterine contractions are 15-20 minutes apart at the beginning and lasts up to a minute

Question 14

2nd stage of childbirth

Answer 14

baby’s head starts to move through cervix and birth canal and ends when baby completely emerges from mother’s body

Question 15

3rd stage (afterbirth)

Answer 15

placenta, umbilical cord, and other membranes are detached and expelled

Question 16

natural childbirth

Answer 16

no drugs given to relieve pain or assist in the birth process; mother is taught to use breathing methods and relaxation techniques during delivery

Question 17

prepared childbirth

Answer 17

similar to natural childbirth but includes special breathing technique (Lamaze) to control pushing in the final stages of labor and more detailed anatomy and physiology instruction

Question 18

Apgar scale

Answer 18

assessment of newborn’s health at 1 and 5 minutes after born

Question 19

postpartum period

Answer 19

period after childbirth when mother adjusts (physically and psychologically) to the process of childbearing; ~6 weeks or until body has completed adjustment and returned to a nearly pre-pregnant state