Genetics and Evolutionary Foundations of Behavior

These flashcards summarize the key concepts discussed in the lecture on Genetics and Evolutionary Foundations of Behavior.

What is the main focus of Chapter 3 in the lecture?

Genetics and evolutionary foundations of behavior.

What percentage of Brits believe gene editing should be allowed to prevent hereditary disorders?

83%.

What are the two categories of genetic influence on behavior?

Nature vs. nurture.

In terms of genetics, how many chromosomes do humans have?

46 chromosomes (23 pairs).

What is a gene?

A piece of DNA that influences traits and behaviors.

How many genes do humans have approximately?

About 20,000-25,000 genes.

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype is the set of genes; phenotype is observable traits influenced by the environment.

What process contributes to genetic diversity?

Meiosis, which involves random exchange of genes.

What is the function of regulator genes?

They determine which genes are active.

What is epigenetics?

Hereditary changes in gene expression without changing the genotype.

What did Darwin's 'The Origin of Species' (1859) propose?

Natural selection as a mechanism for evolution.

What is the main advantage of musical behavior in humans?

It strengthens social ties and increases survival chances.

What is meant by polygenic traits?

Traits determined by multiple genes instead of a single gene.

How does environmental variation affect behavior?

Environmental factors influence gene expression and behavior.

What is meant by genetic predisposition?

An inherited tendency to exhibit certain traits or behaviors.

What are dominant and recessive alleles?

Dominant alleles mask the effects of recessive alleles.

What animal was used in research by Scott & Fuller regarding fearfulness?

Basenjis and Cockers.

What is inheritance of polygenetic traits demonstrated through?

Selective breeding, such as with 'bright' and 'dull' rats.

What significant project started in 1990?

The Human Genome Project.

What does the term 'heredity of traits' refer to?

The transmission of genetic characteristics from parents to offspring.

What is one reason why recessive genetic disorders exist?

Increased survival advantages, such as sickle-cell disease's resistance to malaria.

What did Watson and Crick discover in 1953?

The structure of DNA.

What role do internal and external environments play in gene activation?

They influence how genes are expressed and proteins are produced.

What does the term 'natural selection' refer to?

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

What was a major concern surrounding gene editing, especially in 2025?

Whether it should be allowed for changing appearance or intelligence.

What is crucial for evolution to occur according to natural selection theory?

Variation in features and overproduction of offspring.

What is the method for determining gene activity?

Gene regulation through coding and regulator genes.

What does 'genetic drift' refer to?

Random changes in allele frequencies in a population.

What is an example of a behavior that evolved for its adaptive significance?

Fear responses in certain breeds of dogs.

How do epigenetic changes impact descendants?

They may increase risks for certain traits or disorders without altering the genome.

What does it mean for genes to be expressed?

For the trait coded by the gene to be manifest in the organism.

What is a key misconception about evolution?

That it leads to the development of a superior species.

What concept explains the interaction between environment and behavior?

Behavior is an interaction of genes and environment.

What was significant about Rosalind Franklin's work in 1952?

She provided a critical X-ray photograph of DNA structure.

What factual misconception regarding traits is addressed concerning inheritance?

That trained traits are inherited.

What example reflects hand-in-hand changes in behavior and environment?

Adaptations to extreme environmental conditions.

How can gene editing impact public perception of ethical behavior?

Concerns about modifying physical appearance and intelligence.

What is the mechanism behind behavior according to evolutionary psychology?

Understanding how brain structures evolved to produce specific behaviors.

What is the significance of cross-species comparisons in evolutionary studies?

They help to understand phylogeny and adaptations.

Why is genetic diversity important for a population?

It enhances survival chances through varied traits.

What does the term 'heredity of behavior' imply?

Behavioral traits inherited from ancestors.

What is meant by 'functionalism' in an evolutionary context?

Explaining traits based on their usefulness for survival.

What role do environmental changes play in the speed of evolution?

Rapid changes in environment can hasten evolutionary processes.

What experimental outcome was shown through the breeding of rats by Tryon in 1942?

Selective breeding demonstrated learning or cognitive differences.

What is a proposed evolutionary basis for group cooperation among humans?

Shared music as a bonding activity.

What does selection criteria in sexual selection imply?

Traits that enhance reproductive success are favored.

How has the Human Genome Project contributed to understanding behavior?

It mapped human DNA, providing insights into genetics and behavior.

What major concept did the 'nature vs nurture' debate address?

Whether genetics or environment plays a greater role in behavior.