Practice questions for Genetics and Evolutionary Foundations

"What does Darwin’s theory of evolution explain?"

"It explains both differences and similarities between species

"How do genes affect behavior?"

"Genes influence behavior by coding for proteins that affect brain structure

"What role does the environment play in gene expression?"

"Genes interact with environmental factors; expression depends on surroundings and experiences."

"What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?"

"Genotype is the set of genes an individual inherits; phenotype is the observable expression of those genes influenced by environment."

"Why do humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes?"

"Because one set of chromosomes is inherited from each parent

"What is the function of mitosis?"

"Mitosis produces identical cells for growth and repair."

"What is the function of meiosis?"

"Meiosis produces reproductive cells (sperm and eggs)

"Why is genetic diversity advantageous?"

"It increases the chances that some individuals will survive changing environments."

"What does it mean to be homozygous at a locus?"

"It means the two genes at a locus are identical."

"What does it mean to be heterozygous at a locus?"

"It means the two genes at a locus are different."

"How do dominant and recessive genes differ?"

"Dominant genes express effects in both homozygous and heterozygous conditions

"What is an example of single-gene influence on behavior?"

"Fearfulness in dogs or genetic disorders like phenylketonuria (PKU)."

"What does selective breeding demonstrate?"

"That behavioral and physical traits can be modified by controlling which individuals reproduce."

"What does epigenetics study?"

"How gene activity can be regulated by mechanisms like DNA methylation without changing DNA sequence."

"What is DNA methylation?"

"A chemical process that can turn genes on or off and may be passed to future generations."

"What is artificial selection?"

"Human-controlled selective breeding for desired traits."

"What is natural selection?"

"The process by which traits that increase survival and reproduction become more common over generations."

"What are Darwin’s four core principles of natural selection?"

"Overproduction

"What causes genetic variation?"

"Reshuffling of genes during reproduction and random mutations."

"How do environmental changes affect evolution?"

"They act as a force that selects for traits better suited to new conditions."

"Why is evolution said to have no foresight?"

"It is not goal-directed; changes occur based on current conditions

"What is the naturalistic fallacy?"

"The mistaken idea that what is natural is automatically good or morally right."

"What is the main goal of functionalism in psychology?"

"To explain how behaviors help individuals survive and reproduce."

"What is the difference between distal and proximate explanations?"

"Distal explains the evolutionary purpose; proximate explains the immediate mechanism or process."

"Why can functionalist thinking be limited?"

"Not all traits are adaptive — some are vestigial

"What is an example of a species-typical behavior in humans?"

"Facial expressions like smiling or the infant stepping reflex."

"What does biological preparedness mean?"

"Humans are innately ready to learn certain behaviors that were adaptive for survival."

"What kind of questions guide the study of behavior?"

"What causes it

"What are homologies and how are they used?"

"They are similarities from common ancestry used to trace evolutionary development of behaviors."

"What are analogies and how are they used?"

"They are similarities due to convergent evolution used to infer similar adaptive functions."

"What is the purpose of studying homologies in psychology?"

"To understand how behaviors evolved and the mechanisms they share across species."

"Why is mating important in evolution?"

"It determines which genes are passed on to the next generation."

"What are the four types of mating systems?"

"Polygyny

"What does Trivers’ theory of parental investment explain?"

"The sex that invests more in offspring is choosier in mate selection; the other competes more."

"What type of parental investment is associated with polygyny?"

"High female investment and low male investment."

"What type of parental investment is associated with polyandry?"

"High male investment and low female investment."

"What type of parental investment is associated with monogamy?"

"Equal investment by both sexes."

"What type of parental investment is associated with promiscuity?"

"Shared or group-level investment."

"Why are males generally more aggressive than females?"

"Aggression in males often increases mating success and has been favored by evolution."

"What is cooperation?"

"Helping others while benefiting oneself

"What is altruism?"

"Helping others at a cost to oneself; can evolve through kin selection or reciprocity."

"What does kin selection explain?"

"Altruistic acts toward relatives help shared genes survive."

"What does reciprocity theory explain?"

"Helping others with expectation of future mutual help; promotes long-term cooperation."

"What did Grant and Grant’s work on finches show?"

"That environmental changes (like droughts) can quickly drive evolutionary adaptation."

"Why are species-typical behaviors considered relative?"

"Because their full expression depends on both genetic predisposition and environmental input."