Chapter 6-7 Evolutionary, Behavior Flashcards
Environment
Every non genetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
Behavior genetics
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
Chromosomes
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
DNA
A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes
Genes
The biochemical units of heredity that that make up the chromosomes
Genome
The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes
Identical twins
Twins who developed from a single fertilized egg that splits in two- genetically identical
Fraternal twins
Twins who develop from separar fertilized eggs.
Heritability
Refers to the extent to which differences among people are attributed to genes
Interaction
When the effect of one factor depends on another (in relation to environment and genetics)
Molecular genetics
The subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes
Evolutionary psychology
The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind using principals of natural selection
Natural selection
The principle that traits that lead to increased reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations
Mutation
A random error in gene replication that leads to a change
Culture
The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values etc shared by a group of people and passed on through generations
Personal space
Buffer zone we like to maintain around our bodies
Individualism
Giving priority to one’s own goals over group goals and defining one’s identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications.
Collectivism
Giving priority to the goals of ones group and defining ones identity accordingly- opposite of individualism
Aggression
Physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone
X chromosomes
Sex chromosomes found in both men and women; male one, female two
Y chromosomes
The sex chromosomes found only in males.
Testosterone
The most important of the male sex hormones. Both male and females have it
Role
A set of expectations (norms) about a social position
Gender role
A set of expected behaviors for males and females
Gender identity
Ones sense of being male or female
Gender-typing
The acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role.
Social learning theory
The theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitation and by being rewarded or punished
Gender schema theory
The theory that children learn from their cultures a concept of what it means to be male and female and that they adjust their behavior accordingly
