Chapter 3: Genes, Evolution, and Environment

Question 1

Behavioural Genetics

Answer 1

An interdisciplinary field of study concerned with genetic contributions to individual differences in behaviour and personality.

Question 2

Chromosomes

Answer 2

Within every cell, rod-shaped structures that carry the genes.

Question 3

DNA

Answer 3

(Deoxyribonucleic acid) the chromosomal molecule that transfers genetic characteristics by way of coded instructions for the structure of proteins.

Question 4

Epigenetics

Answer 4

The study of stable changes in the expression of a particular gene that occur within changes in DNA base sequences.

Question 5

Evolution

Answer 5

A change in gene frequencies within a population over many generations, which serves as a mechanism by which genetically influenced characteristics of a population may change.

Question 6

Evolutionarily Psychology

Answer 6

A field of psychology emphasizing evolutionary mechanisms that may help explain human commonalties and social practices, perception, emotional responses, and other areas of behaviour.

Question 7

Fraternal Twins

Answer 7

(Dizygotic) Twins that develop from two separate eggs fertilized by different sperm.

Question 8

Genes

Answer 8

The functional units of hereditary; they are composed of DNA and specify the structure of proteins.

Question 9

Genetic Markers

Answer 9

A segment of DNA that varies among individuals, has a known location on a chromosome, and can function as a genetic landmark for a gene involved in a physical or mental condition.

Question 10

Genome

Answer 10

The full set of genes in each cell of an organism (with the exception of sperm and egg cells), together with noncoding DNA located outside the genes.

Question 11

Heritability

Answer 11

Statistical estimate of the proportion of the total variance in some trait that is attributable genetic differences among individuals within a group.

Question 12

Identical Twins

Answer 12

(Monozygotic) Twins that develop when a fertilized egg divides into two parts that develop into separate embryos.

Question 13

Intelligence Quotient

Answer 13

(IQ) A measure of intelligence originally computed by dividing a person’s mental age by his or her chronological age and multiplying by 100 and now derived from norms provided for standardized intelligence tests.

Question 14

Natural Selection

Answer 14

The evolutionary process in which individuals with genetically influenced traits that are adaptive in a particular environment tend to survive and to reproduce in greater numbers than do other individuals, resulting in their traits becoming more common in the population.