Nature, Nurture, and Human diversity module

Behavior Genetics

The study of how genes and environment influence behavior.

Heredity

The passing of traits from parents to offspring through genes. 👨‍👩‍👧🔗

Environment

All external influences, from prenatal nutrition to social interactions. 🌍👶

Chromosomes

Thread-like structures made of DNA that contain genes. 📜

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The molecule that carries genetic instructions for life. 🏗️

Genes

Segments of DNA that determine specific traits and functions.

Genome

The complete set of an organism's genetic material. 🌎

Identical (Monozygotic) Twins

Twins who develop from a single fertilized egg and share 100% of their genes. 👯‍♂️

Fraternal (Dizygotic) Twins

Twins who develop from separate eggs and share about 50% of their genes, like regular siblings. 👦👧

Temperament

A person's natural emotional reactivity and intensity, often inherited. 😠😊

Heritability

The proportion of variation in traits due to genetic differences. 📊

Interaction

The way genes and environment influence each other. 🔄🌱

Molecular Genetics

The study of genes at a molecular level to understand how they influence traits. 🔬

Molecular Behavior Genetics

Examines how genes interact with the environment to influence behavior. 🔍

Epigenetics

The study of how environment can change gene expression without altering DNA. 🔄

Culture

The shared beliefs, traditions, and behaviors of a group passed down through generations. 🌎👥

Norm

An understood rule for accepted and expected behavior in a society. ✅👫

Individualism

A cultural value that emphasizes personal goals and independence. 🚀💡

Collectivism

A cultural value that prioritizes group goals and social harmony over individual desires. 🏡

Sex

The biological classification of male or female based on reproductive anatomy. ♂️♀️

Gender

The socially constructed roles and characteristics associated with being male or female. 🌈

Intersex

A condition where a person has biological traits of both sexes. ⚧️🔬

Aggression

Any behavior intended to harm another person physically or emotionally. 💢👊

Relational Aggression

Harming someone's social relationships or reputation rather than causing physical harm. 🗣️💔

X Chromosome

The sex chromosome found in both males and females; females have two, while males have one. ❌

Y Chromosome

The sex chromosome only found in males, determining male biological characteristics. ⭕

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone that influences muscle growth, aggression, and sexual development. 💪🔥

Estrogens

A group of hormones primarily responsible for female sexual development and reproduction. 🌸⚖️

Puberty

The period of sexual maturation when a person becomes capable of reproduction. 🔄➡️

Primary Sex Characteristics

The body structures (ovaries, testes, etc.) directly involved in reproduction. 🏥⚧️

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Traits that develop during puberty, like facial hair and breasts, but are not directly related to reproduction. 💇‍♂️

Spermarche

A male's first ejaculation, marking reproductive capability. 💦🔬

Menarche

A female's first menstrual period, marking reproductive capability. 🔴

Role

A set of expectations for behavior in a specific social position. 🎭📜

Gender Role

The behaviors, attitudes, and traits that a society expects from males and females. 🚹🚺

Sexual Aggression

Unwanted sexual behavior that involves coercion, force, or manipulation. 🚨⚠️

Gender Identity

A person's internal sense of being male, female, or another gender. 🌈

Social Learning Theory

The idea that we learn gender roles by observing and imitating others. 👀🎭

Gender Typing

The process by which children learn and adopt traditional male or female roles. 🏀🎀

Androgyny

A mix of masculine and feminine traits in one individual. ‍♂️⚧️

Transgender

A term for people whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth. 🏳️‍⚧️🌟