Week 3: GENETICS AND EVOLUTION

Question 1

Nature? vs nurture?

Answer 1

Nature: genetics, born with
Nurture: environment, how you grew up

Question 2

Twin studies: TYPES OF TWINS

Answer 2

Monozygotic: (Identical 100%) came from one zygote

Dizygotic: (fraternal 50%) came from 2 different zygotes and 2 different perms injected

Question 3

Behavioral genetics: (DEF)

Answer 3

observation study of how genes and environments combine to generate behavior

Question 4

Adoption study:

Answer 4

behavior genetic research method that involves comparison of adopted children to their adoptive biological parents

Question 5

Quantitative genetics:

Answer 5

scientific and mathematical methods of inferring genetic and environmental similarities amongst organisms

Question 6

Epigenetics: (DEF)

Answer 6

DNA itself is modified by environmental events and those genetic changes are then transmitted to children

Question 7

Behaviorism: (DEF)

Answer 7

Past belief (e.g. Freud, Skinner) that behaviour was based on environmental factors

Question 8

Evolution:

Answer 8

change overtime (certain traits and behaviors developing over time because they are advantageous to our survival)

Question 9

Heritability coefficient:

Answer 9

(measures how different people are in nature&nurture)

If value close to 0- most likely NOT due to genetics

The higher the number- due to genetics

Question 10

Natural selection: (DEF)

Answer 10

genetic mutations that are beneficial to an individual’s survival are passed on through reproduction

Question 10

Adaptations: (DEF)

Answer 10

evolved solutions to problems that historically contributed to reproductive success

Question 11

Sexual selection: (DEF)

Answer 11

evolution of characteristics because of mating advantage they give to organisms

Question 12

Intra sexual: (DEF)

Answer 12

(WITHIN)members of same sex compete for a mate

Question 13

Intersexual: (DEF)

Answer 13

(BETWEEN) one sex chooses which members of the opposite sex to mate with

Question 14

Gene selection theory: (DEF)

Answer 14

Genes are the basic “units of heredity,” or the information that is passed along in DNA that tells the cells and molecules how to “build” the organism and how that organism should behave.

Question 15

2 ways of boosting replicative success:

Answer 15

1. Influence one’s own odds of survival and reproduction
   EX. sloths screaming to attract male ∴ the gene that allows them to scream will be passed on
2. Help other organisms who also contain these genes ( genetic relatives)
   EX. parents encourage children to go to university because higher education isn seen as an attractive trait; parents pass this education to their OWN kids, not other kids

Question 16

Psychological adaptations: (DEF)

Answer 16

mechanisms of the mind (ways the mind works) that evolved to solve specific problems of survival/reproduction

Question 16

Physiological adaptations: (DEF)

Answer 16

occur in body as consequence of environment

Question 17

Sexual strategies theory

Answer 17

impacted by ecological stuff like sex ration, cultural practices

Question 17

Interactionist framework: (DEF)

Answer 17

Theory that takes into account multiple factors when determining an outcome.
Heavily affected by status and culture

Question 18

Humans have a list of different short-term and long-term mating strategies…

Answer 18

In short-term mating:
▪ women likely more selective than men because of more consequences (EX. pregnancy, high social expect.)
▪ men are more inclined to engage in casual sexual activities (lower standards b/c lower risk)

In long-term mating:
▪ both sexes are extremely and equally selective

Question 19

Error Management Theory: DEF

Answer 19

evolution of decision making and evaluating uncertain decisions