AP Psych 1.1, 1.2, & 1.3

Gene/Genome

Unit of heredity, a segment of DNA or RNA that codes for a specific functional product. 

Heredity (nature)

The biological transmission of traits from parents to offspring, emphasizing the influence of genetic factors over environmental factors.

Evolutionary Psychology

A branch of psychology that examines how evolutionary principles shape human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, suggesting that many psychological traits are adaptive.

Behavioral Genetics

The study of the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to psychological traits and behaviors.

Central Nervous System

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and controlling responses.

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the limbs and organs, facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary body functions, such as heartbeat, breathing, digestion, and gland activity. It operates automatically, without conscious control.

Somatic Nervous System

The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles and transmits sensory information to the central nervous system.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body for action—it triggers the “fight or flight” response by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and slowing digestion

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body down after stress—responsible for “rest and digest” functions like slowing the heartbeat and stimulating digestion.