Cultural Psych Exam 4

What are the two explanations for human biology variation?

Innate and acquired biological differences

What is innate biological difference?

Variations in the human genome in different populations that result from different selection pressures over generations

What is acquired biological difference?

Different experiences within one’s lifetime in diverse locations

How does ultraviolet radiation (UVR) change across populations?

• In high-UVR locations, darker skin prevents over-absorption of UVR

• In low-UVR locations, lighter skin allows enough UVR absorption to synthesise Vitamin D

Give an example of how culture can impact genome variation.

Lactose intolerance (or intolerance) in humans → cow domestication in northern Europe led to the development of a mutation in humans that aids in digesting milk

Give an example of how culture can indirectly impact genome variation.

Yam farming in West Africa → increase in standing water, a breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes then malaria spread and led to genetic mutation for malaria resistance

How can culture impact physical variation?

Underwater visual acuity in the Moken → Moken children have twice the underwater visual acuity of European children

What are the potential explanations for obesity rising in the U.S.?

• Greater reliance on high-calorie foods

• Larger portion sizes

• More sedentary lifestyle

• Suburban lifestyle → more driving, less exercise

Why is the obesity rate in France 1/5 the rate in U.S.?

French eat significantly fewer calories a day than Americans, possibly because the cultural environment affects portion sizes and attitudes toward food

How does portion size contribute to obesity and diet?

• People eat what’s given to them, as portioned

• Example: McDonald’s in the U.S. serves 70% more fries per container

How do attitudes toward food contribute to obesity and diet?

The French view eating as a more leisurely and enjoyable activity than Americans do

What are the potential explanations for the increase in average height around the world?

• The economic wealth of a country has close ties with the height of its people

  • More wealth brings about a healthier diet, especially at ages when growth spurts occur

How has sleep changed after electric lighting?

Before electric lighting, people’s sleeping cycle actually had two phases → people went to sleep a little after sunset and woke in the middle of the night for around an hour then slept again until around dawn

How does sleep vary between cultures?

Dutch infants sleep 1.3 hours more than American infants, but Japanese infants sleep approx. 1.3 hours less