unit 2 ap psych Flashcards
chromosomes
46 in each cell, made up of DNA that contains our genes
genome
all the genes that make up an organism
nature vs nurture debate
whether or not we are more influenced by genetics or our environment
behavior geneticists
study the effects of genetics and environment on our behavior
twin and adoption studies
separated identical twins have very similar traits, more than siblings raised together.
heritability
how much of variation in a group of individuals is due to genetics, explanation of differences that are due to genetic factors
molecular geneticists
study molecular structure and function of genes
epigenetic
how the environment effects which genes are expressed
evolutionary psychologists
focus on principles of natural selection to explain our behavior and mind
endocrine system
body’s chemical communication system
pituitary gland
master gland, controlled by hypothalamus
hypothalamus
in charge of metabolism, sleep, emotion, and blood pressure
endocrine glands
pineal gland, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland in the brain
glands in neck
thyroid and parathyroid gland
gland near kidney
adrenal glands
gland near stomach
pancreas
hormone
chemical messengers sent through blood stream, slower than neurotransmitters, last longer and have huge role in development
pineal gland
produces melanin and helps regulate circadian rhythm
hypothalamus function
four F’s
fighting, feeding, fleeing, mating
pituitary function
controls growth and produces hormones like oxytocin, promotes pair bonding and social trust
thyroid gland
effects metabolism
parathyroid gland
regulate calcium in blood
adrenal gland
trigger fight or flight, release epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, connected to autonomic nervous system (involuntary)
pancreas gland
controls level of blood sugar with insulin and helps digestion
testis and ovaries
reproductive organs that produce sex hormones that promote growth