Module 14 - Behavior Genetics: Predicting Individual Differences Flashcards
Behavior Genetics
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
Heredity
The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring
Environment
Every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
Chromosomes
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain genes
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 (monozygotic) twins
Develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
Fraternal (dizygotic) twins
Develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than ordinary brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment
Heritability
The genetic influence on observed variation among people. The opposite of this is the effect of the environment on those people. It may vary based on the populations and environments studied
Interaction
The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)
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 our behavior
Epigenetics
The study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change
