Module 13 Flashcards
natural selection
predisposes us to survive and perpetuate our genes
what marks our development
stability
developmental psychology
examines our physical, cognitive, and social development across the life span, with a focus on three major issues
what are the 3 major issues developmental psychology focuses on
- nature and nurture
- continuity and stages
- stability and change
stage theories
contribute a developmental perspective on the whole life span, by suggesting how people of one age think and act differently when they arrive at a later age
conception
nothing is more natural than a species reproducing itself
zygote
the fertilized egg, it enters a two week period of rapid cell division and develops into an embryo
how many fertilized eggs survive beyond the first 2 weeks
fewer than half
embryo
the developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through to the second month
habituation
a decrease in responsiveness with repeated stimulation
what are teratogens
agents such as viruses and drugs that can damage an embryo or fetus
the embryo
- the embryo grows and develops rapidly, at 40 days the spine is visible and the arms and legs are beginning to grow
- by the start of the 9th week when the fetal period begins, facial features, hands, and feet have formed
- as the fetus enters the 16th week, its 3 ounces could fit in the palm of your hand
what is the total number of cells in your body
estimated an average human has 32.7 trillion cells
what happens about 10 days after conception
the zygote attaches to the mothers uterine wall, the inner cells become the embryo and many of the outer cells become the placenta
what happens during the first 6 weeks after conception
the embryos organs begin to form and function and the heart begins to beat
what does stability provide in our lives
stability provides our identity, enabling us to depend on others and on ourselves
what does our potential for change give us
our potential for change gives us our hope for a brighter future, allowing us to adapt and grow with experience
what are the stages throughout the life span
- newborn to toddler
- toddler to teenager
- teenager to mature adult
what happens at each stage of life
physical, cognitive, and social milestones
