Lecture 2 - Nature, Nurture, & Human Diversity (Pt. 1) Flashcards
What is behavior genetics?
The study of how heredity and environment contribute to human differences
What do molecules do?
Have the ability to direct the assembly of proteins that build the body
How can genetic protein assembly be turned on and off?
By environment or by other genes
What is a genome?
An organism’s entire collection of genes
How many genes are in the human genome?
20,000 - 250,000 genes
How much of DNA is noncoding?
99%
What is the purpose of noncoding DNA?
Achieves diverse (methylation-linked) results re gene expression
What is the genetical difference between fraternal twins and regular siblings?
They are not any more genetically alike than regular siblings
In what ways are identical twins alike?
In personality traits, behaviors/outcomes, and abilities
In the identical twins studies, what similarities did the identical twins (raised in separate homes) share?
Personality, abilities, attitudes, interests, fears, brain waves, and heart rate
What were the critiques of the identical twins studies?
The families have known about each other before, coincidences happen, and environments of adoptive families may be similar
Who did the adopted children take after more?
The genetical relatives
What does parenting influence?
Religion, values, manners, attitudes, politics, and habits
How genetically similar are siblings?
Share 50% of genes
Why are siblings so different?
Genetic differences becomes amplified as people react to them differently
Is temperament linked to nature or nature?
Linked more to nature
How much does temperament change?
Most do not seem to change from infancy to adulthood
What are the 3 types of temperament?
Easy, difficult, slow to warm up
What are molecular genetics?
The study of molecular structure and the function of genes
What is the ethical conundrum behind molecular genetics?
Using genetics tests to select sperm, eggs, and embryos
What are the two ways traits develop from genes?
Some traits are settled genes and others develop in response to experience
What is self-regulation?
When genes turn each other on and off in response to environmental conditions
What are epigenetics?
When the environment acts on the surface of genes to alter their activity
What is the paradox behind human genes?
Genes allow us not to be tied to genes
What is evolutionary psychology?
The study of how evolutionary principles help explain the origin and function of the human mind, traits, and behaviors
What are the main forces guiding the course of development?
Parents, peers, and culture
What is “pruning” in the brain?
When unused connections are “pruned” away to make well-used brain pathways work better
What happens when certain abilities aren’t used?
They fade (“Use it or lose it”)
What impact do environmental influences have on temperament?
They influence about 10%
What do peers influence?
Cooperation skills, the path to popularity, music and other recreation choice, clothing choice, and good/bad habits
