Genetic influences on development

Question 1

Proposed the concept of canalisation in developmental genetics

Answer 1

Waddington

Question 2

Behaviour traits that are strongly genetically determined and will occur no matter the environment e.g. rolling over, walking

Answer 2

Canalised

Question 3

Behaviour traits that are not strongly genetically determined and will only occur in certain environmental conditions e.g. rock climbing

Answer 3

Poorly canalised

Question 4

Idea put forward by Gottesman in which the genetic make up of a child sets a potential range for a behaviour, and environmental factors will determine where within the range that behaviour will fall e.g. a child could be genetically predisposed to be anywhere from average to good at ballet, but going to ballet classes regularly will mean they fall at the ‘good’ end of their possible range

Answer 4

Range of reactions

Question 5

Concept proposed by Scarr and McCartney that the genetic make up of a child means they will be predisposed to be good at certain things; they then seek out activities that are in keeping with this e.g. a child has naturally good balance and takes up gymnastics

Answer 5

Niche-picking

Question 6

Three types of gene-environment interaction

Answer 6

Passive gene-environment interaction
Evocative gene-environment interaction
Active gene-environment interaction

Question 7

Type of gene-environment interaction where a child’s environment is influenced in part by their parent’s genes, which are similar to the child’s genes due to inheritance e.g. a mother who smokes may pass on risk alleles to their child but may also smoke around the house due to their own genetic predisposition, which might increase the risk of the child smoking

Answer 7

Passive gene-environment interaction

Question 8

Type of gene-environment interaction where a child’s genetically influenced traits influences their environment e.g. a child who is genetically predispositioned to be aggressive may evoke a harsher parental reaction

Answer 8

Evocative gene-environment interaction

Question 9

Type of gene-environment interaction where a child’s environment is shaped by their choices made to complement their genetic predispositions e.g. a child who is naturally studious chooses to pursue higher education

Answer 9

Active gene-environment interaction