Chapter 3 - Biology and Behavior Flashcards
How can behavior be described in terms of a function?
behavior is a function of who and where we are
What are the 3 key elements of the nature and nurture model?
- genotype
- Phenotype
- environment
What is a genotype?
the genetic material an individual inherits
What is a phenotype?
the observable expression of the genotype
What is an environment?
every aspect of the individual, and their surroundings, other than genes
What are the 4 genetic and environmental influence relationships?
- Parent’s genotype - child’s genotype
- Child’s genotype - child’s phenotype
- child’s environment - child’s phenotype
- Child’s phenotype - child’s environment
Explain the “parent’s genotype - child’s genotype” influence relationship
- 23 pairs of chromosomes are inherited by child from parents
- all of which are basically identical except from sex chromosomes
What are some ways in which genetic diversity come about?
mutations and random assortment
Explain the “child’s genotype - child’s phenotype” influence relationship
- gen expression throughout their lifetime caused by regulator genes
- different alleles which one inherits determine phenotypes which may be expressed
Explain the “child’s environment - child’s phenotype” influence relationship
- a child’s environment can influence how their phenotypes are expressed
- some environments may be better suited for a child depending on their inherited genes
What is a norm of reaction?
all phenotypes that could theoretically result from a given genotype, in relation to all the environments in which it could survive and develop
Give an example of how a child’s environment can influence their phenotype
Children abused can grow up to be abusers themselves
- MAOA gene is associated w/ aggression control
- MAOA inactivity paired with abusive environment increases chances of violence in the future
Explain the “child’s phenotype - child’s environment” influence relationship
Explains the “active child”
- children are active creators of their environment
- they can choose their interests, friends, toys , etc
List the main components of a neuron and their functions
1) cell body/ soma - contains the genetic material that keeps the neuron functioning
2) dendrites - fibers that receive input from other cells and conduct it towards the cell body
3) axons - a fiber that conducts electrical signals away from the cell body to connect to other neurons
What about human brains makes them more complex than other animals’ brains?
the increased corticalization
