Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior Flashcards
Nature
an individual’s innate characteristics and behaviors, which are largely determined by genetics
Evolutionary Perspective
studies how human behavior and cognition are shaped by natural selection and evolutionary processes.
Natural Selection
Natural selection is the idea that organisms with traits that help them survive and reproduce are more likely to pass those traits on to future generations. These traits can include things like being able to find food, avoid predators, or attract mates
Nurture
the environmental factors that influence a person’s development
- Early childhood experiences, Family and social relationships, Culture, Community, Socioeconomic status, Education
Eugenics
the practice or advocacy of improving the human species by selectively mating people with specific desirable hereditary traits
Central Nervous System
- the part of the nervous system that controls and manages almost everything the body does.
- made up of the brain and spinal cord
located in the dorsal (back) body cavity. - The main functions are to:
Receive sensory information
Process the information
Respond with motor output
Autonomic Nervous System
network of nerves that controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.
It’s always active, even when you’re asleep
Made up of three divisions: Sympathetic, Parasympathetic, Enteric
Sympathetic Nervous System
a network of nerves that prepares the body for physical activity, or the “fight-or-flight” response
Part of ANS system
Peripheral Nervous System
Somatic Nervous System
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Neurons
Glial Cells
Reflex Arc
Sensory Neurons
