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Unit 3C Terms
Biological Bases of Behavior
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Behavior Genetics | The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior. |
Environment | Every non-genetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us. |
Chromosomes | Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes. |
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) | A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes. |
Genome | The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in the organism's chromosomes. |
Genes | The biochemical units of heredity that makes up the chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein. |
Natural Selections | The principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations. |
Mutation | A random error in the gene replication that leads to change. |
Identical Twins | Twins who develop from a singe fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms. |
Fraternal Twins | Twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment. |
Heritability | 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. |
Interaction | The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity). |
Molecular Genetics | The subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes. |
Evolutionary Psychology | The study of the roots of behavior and mental processes using the principles of natural selection. |
Culture | The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next. |
X Chromosome | The sex chromosomes found in both men and women. Females have two X chromosomes; males have one. An X chromosome from each parent produces a female child. |
Y Chromosome | The sex chromosome found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child. |
Behavior Genetics | The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior. |
Memes | An idea, behavior, style or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture. |