chpt4 Flashcards
Behavior genetics
the study of relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
environment
every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
chromosome
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes; we have 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent
DNA
a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes
genes
the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins
genome
the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes
identical twins
develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
fraternal twins
develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than ordinary brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment
temperament
a person’s true characteristics, emotional reactivity, and intensity.
heritability
the proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. How easily a trait can be passed on. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending on the range of populations and environments studied
molecular genetics
the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes
molecular behavior genetics
the study of how the structure and function of genes interact with our environment to influence behavior
epigenetics
the study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change
evolutionary psychology
the study of evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
natural selection
the principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations