PSYCH CHAPTER 2

Question 1

allele

Answer 1

An alternative form of a specific gene.

Question 2

chromosomes

Answer 2

Structures in the nucleus of each cell that contain the genes, the units of hereditary transmission. A human cell has 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. See also gene.

Question 3

dizygotic (DZ) twins

Answer 3

Twins that develop from two different eggs that are simultaneously fertilized by two sperm. Like ordinary siblings, they share 50% of their genes. Also called fraternal twins. See also monozygotic (MZ) twins.

Question 4

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

Answer 4

The complex molecule that is the constituent of genes.

Question 5

dominant

Answer 5

A term for a gene that directs the development of a particular characteristic even when the corresponding gene on the other chromosome is different, i.e. some other allele.

Question 6

environment of evolutionary adaptiveness (EEA)

Answer 6

The environment that was in place when a trait was evolving.

Question 7

gene

Answer 7

A section of a DNA molecule that contains instructions for how and when to assemble a protein. Genes are located on chromosomes. See also chromosomes.

Question 8

genotype

Answer 8

The complete set of an organism’s genes. See also phenotype.

Question 9

heritability ratio (H)

Answer 9

A measure that describes, for a given population in a given environment, what proportion of the variance of a trait is due to genetic differences.

Question 10

monogamy

Answer 10

A mating pattern in which one male and one female form an enduring reproductive partnership.

Question 11

monozygotic (MZ) twins

Answer 11

Twins that develop from a single fertilized egg that then splits in half. These twins are genetically identical. See also dizygotic (DZ) twins.

Question 12

mutations

Answer 12

Errors in the replication of DNA.

Question 13

natural selection

Answer 13

The mechanism that drives biological evolution. It refers to the greater likelihood of successful reproduction for organisms whose attributes are advantageous in a given environment.

Question 14

naturalistic fallacy

Answer 14

The (mistaken) idea that anything “natural” must be “good.”

Question 15

niche construction

Answer 15

The process in which organisms, through their own behaviors, alter the environment and create their own circumstances.

Question 16

phenotype

Answer 16

The overt characteristics and behaviors of an organism. See also genotype.

Question 17

polygamy

Answer 17

Any mating system in which a member of one sex mates with several members of the opposite sex.

Question 18

polygenic inheritance

Answer 18

A pattern in which many genes all influence a single trait.

Question 19

proximate cause

Answer 19

The influences within an organism’s lifetime that led to its particular traits or behaviors.

Question 20

recessive

Answer 20

A term for a gene that directs the development of a particular characteristic only if the corresponding gene on the other chromosome matches it?i.e., is the same allele.

Question 21

species general

Answer 21

Pertaining to all organisms in a species.

Question 22

species specific

Answer 22

Pertaining to just one species.

Question 23

ultimate cause

Answer 23

The reasons why, over many years of evolution, a particular trait or behavior helped members of a population to survive and reproduce.