Modules 14-16 Flashcards
Behavior genetics
study of the relative power and limits of genetic/environmental influences on behavior
Heredity
the genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring
Environment
every nongenetic influence, from prenatal influence to the people and things around us
Chromosomes
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid)
complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes
Genes
biochemical units of hereditary that makes up chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins
Genome
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
Heritability
proportion of variation among individuals in a group that we an attribute to genes; heritability of a trait may vary on range of population and studied environments
Interaction
interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (ex: environment) depends on another factor (ex: heredity)
Molecular genetics
subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes
Molecular behavior genetics
study of how the structure and function of genes interact with our environment to influence behavior
Epigenetics
“above” or “in addition to” (epi)
the study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change
Evolutionary Psychology
study of evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
Natural selection
principle that inherited traits that better enables an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations
Mutation
random error in gene replication that leads to a change
Social script
culturally modeled guide for how to act in various situations
Protein molecules
the body’s building blocks
Cognition
mental processes
Consciousness
awareness of ourselves and our environment
Dual processing
part of awareness that goes on in our two-tracked minds
Selective attention
directs spotlight on awareness
“Stream of Consciousness”
each moment flowing into the next