PSY Module 6 – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
What are chromosomes, DNA, genes, and the human genome? How do behavior geneticists explain our individual differences?
answer
Genes are the biochemical units of heredity that make up chromosomes, the threadlike coils of DNA. When genes are "turned on" (expressed), they provide the code for creating the proteins that form our body's building blocks. Most human traits are influenced by many genes acting together. The human genome is the shared genetic profile that distinguishes humans from other species, consisting at an individual level of all the genetic material in an organism's chromosomes. Behavior geneticists study the relative power and limits of genetic (our heredity) and environmental influences on behavior.
question
environment
answer
every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us.
question
behavior genetics
answer
the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
question
heredity
answer
the genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring
question
chromosome
answer
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
question
DNA
answer
a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes
question
genes
answer
the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins
question
genome
answer
the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes
question
Put the following cell structures in order from smallest to largest: nucleus, gene, chromosome
answer
gene, chromosome, nucleus
question
When the mother's egg and the father's sperm unite, each contributes 23 ____________
answer
chromosomes
question
How do twin and adoption studies help us understand the effects and interactions of nature and nurture?
answer
Studies of identical (monozygotic) twins versus fraternal (dizygotic) twins, separated twins, and biological versus adoptive relatives allow researchers to tease apart the influences of heredity and environment. Research studies on separated identical twins maintain the same genes while testing the effects of different home environments. Studies of adoptive families let researchers maintain the same home environment while studying the effects of genetic differences. Heritable individual differences (in traits such as height and weight) do not necessarily explain gender or ethnic group differences. Shared family environments have little effect on personality, though parenting does influence other factors (such as attitudes).
question
identical (monozygotic) twins
answer
develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
question
fraternal (dizygotic) twins
answer
develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than ordinary brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment
question
How do researchers use twin and adoption studies to learn about psychological principles?
answer
Researchers use twin and adoption studies to understand how much variation among individuals is due to genetic makeup and how much to environmental factors. Some studies compare the traits and behaviors of identical twins (same genes) and fraternal twins (different genes, as in any two siblings). They also compare adopted children with their adoptive and biological parents. Some studies compare traits and behaviors of twins raised together or separately.
question
How do heredity and environment work together?
answer
Our genetic predispositions and our specific environments interact. Environments can trigger or block genetic expression, and genetically influenced traits can evoke responses from others. The field of epigenetics studies the influences on gene expression that occur without changes in DNA.
question
epigenetics
answer
the study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change. Study of environmental factors that affect how our genes are expressed.
question
How do evolutionary psychologists use natural selection to explain behavior tendencies?
answer
Evolutionary psychologists seek to understand how our traits and behavior tendencies are shaped by natural selection, as genetic variations increasing the odds of reproducing and surviving in their particular environment are most likely to be passed on to future generations. Some variations arise from mutations (random errors in gene replication), others from new gene combinations at conception. Humans share a genetic legacy and are predisposed to behave in ways that promoted our ancestors' surviving and reproducing. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is an organizing principle in biology. He anticipated today's application of evolutionary principles in psychology.
question
evolutionary psychology
answer
the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
question
natural selection
answer
the principle that those chance inherited traits that better enable an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations
question
mutation
answer
a random error in gene replication that leads to a change
question
How are Belyaev and Trut's breeding practices similar to, and how do they differ from, the way natural selection normally occurs?
answer
Over multiple generations, Belyaev and Trut selected and bred foxes that exhibited a trait they desired: tameness. This process is similar to naturally occurring selection, but it differs in that natural selection is much slower, and normally favors traits (including those arising from mutations) that contribute to reproduction and survival.
question
interaction
answer
the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity).
question
A small segment of DNA that codes for particular proteins is referred to as a
answer
gene
question
Fraternal twins result when
answer
two eggs are fertilized by two sperm.
question
Epigenetics is the study of the molecular mechanisms by which _________ trigger or block genetic expression.
answer
environments
question
Behavior geneticists are most interested in exploring ____________ (commonalities/differences) in our behaviors. Evolutionary psychologists are most interested in exploring ____________ (commonalities/differences).
answer
differences, commonalities
question
Evolutionary psychologists are most likely to focus on
answer
natural selection of the fittest adaptations.
question
Environmental events "turn on" genes, rather like hot water enabling a tea bag to express its flavor. When turned on, genes provide the code for creating:
answer
protein molecules
question
_____ are a major source of genetic diversity.
answer
mutations
question
Our experiences create _____, which are often organic methyl molecules attached to part of a DNA strand.
answer
epigenetic marks
question
_____ is the principle that, among the range of all inherited trait variations, those that lead to increased reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.
answer
natural selection
question
Luther was born with one kidney. This variation in an inherited trait is most likely caused by:
answer
a mutation
question
Which traits will be MOST alike in two biologically unrelated adopted children raised by the same adoptive parents?
answer
values
question
Dr. Chu studies the environmental influences on gene expression by studying identical twins that have been reared apart. Dr. Chu field of study is called:
answer
epigenetics
question
Approximately what percent of genes are shared by all human beings?
answer
99.9%
question
Sam's sister has an independent study proposal due next week, and she has asked for help deciding on a topic. She is interested in studying what makes humans so similar to each other. He should recommend that she focus on _____.
answer
evolutionary psychology
