Psychology: Heredity, Environment & Nervous System Practice

Heredity

The passing down of genetic information from parents to offspring.

Inherited behavioral tendencies

Behaviors such as aggression, shyness, talents, memory, problem-solving, and predispositions to depression or anxiety that can be passed down.

Does heredity guarantee specific traits?

No, heredity sets the foundation and increases likelihood, but environmental factors influence traits.

Adoption Studies

Research showing that a child's personality reflects their biological parents rather than their adopted parents.

Twin Studies

Studies supporting the influence of genetics, showing identical twins have similar personalities regardless of being raised together or apart.

Higher testosterone effects

Increased aggression, effort pursuit, risk-taking behaviors, and shorter lifespans.

Environmental Factors

External influences like parenting, education, culture, and socioeconomic status affecting development.

Substance exposure impact

Greatest impact on gene expression occurs during developmental periods from conception to young adulthood.

Natural Selection influence

Ancestral traits aiding survival are passed down, such as fear of spiders or heights.

Shared evolutionary traits

Common traits with other animals, including oxytocin for bonding and the drive for social contact.

Eugenics

Prejudicial practices that misused evolutionary perspectives.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Composed of the brain and spinal cord, serving as the body's control center.

Cerebral cortex function

The outer layer of the brain involved in higher-level functions like sensation and perception.

Roles of brain and spinal cord

The brain interprets information; the spinal cord is the communication highway between brain and body.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves connecting the CNS to muscles, organs, and glands through sensory and motor pathways.

Somatic Nervous System function

Controls voluntary muscle movements such as waving.

Autonomic Nervous System function

Regulates involuntary processes like heartbeat and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates the fight-or-flight response during stress.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body and restores balance after stress.

Somatic and Autonomic systems during exercise

Somatic moves limbs voluntarily while Autonomic regulates heart rate automatically.