Unit 3C – Genetics, Evolutionary Psychology, and Behavior – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
behavior genetics
answer
the study fo the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
question
environment
answer
every non-genetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
question
chromosomes
answer
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
question
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
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 a protein
question
genome
answer
the complete instructions for making an organizm, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes
question
identical twins
answer
twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
question
fraternal twins
answer
twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs - they are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment
question
heritability
answer
the proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending on the range of populations and environments studied
question
interaction
answer
the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)
question
molecular genetics
answer
the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes
question
evolutionary psychology
answer
the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
question
mutation
answer
a random error in gene replication that leads to a change
