Genetics and Evolutionary Foundations of Behavior

Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene

Gene in hippocampus involved in stress response regulation

Maternal Love & Epigenetics

High-LG maternal behavior affects offspring's stress response

Epigenetic Inheritance

Maternal behavior can 'program' offspring's DNA for survival

Francis Crick

Co-discoverer of the structure of the DNA molecule, stated that personal identity and free will are manifestations of nerve cell behavior.

John Watson

Psychologist who expressed the debate of nature vs. nurture, suggesting that given a controlled environment, any infant could be trained to become any specialist.

Hans Eysenck

Psychologist who emphasized the role of genes in determining personality, stating that genes have a significant influence, while the environment has limited impact.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material that serves as the blueprint for creating and maintaining an organism.

DNA

The molecule carrying genetic information, organized within chromosomes; most human cells have 46 chromosomes, except reproductive cells which carry 23.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein; humans have 2 alleles of each gene, forming the genotype, and the observable characteristics are the phenotype.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an individual resulting from the interaction between genotype and environment.

Recessive Alleles

Alleles that determine the phenotype only when an individual is homozygous for the gene, while dominant alleles determine the phenotype regardless.

Genes and Behavior

Genes do not directly code for behaviors but for proteins that influence physical structures and functions, including the brain; multiple genes contribute to complex mental states and behaviors.

Behavioural Genetics

A field focusing on determining the heritability of traits by identifying genes associated with specific behaviors, traits, or disorders.

Evolutionary Psychology

A discipline studying the emergence of genetically-encoded behaviors and traits to understand their adaptive significance.

Candidate Gene Studies

Studies comparing individuals with a specific gene to those without to analyze its impact on traits or disorders, often limited by correlational nature and biological complexity.

Gene Knockout

A method involving the removal or deactivation of a gene to observe its effects on behavior or traits by comparing genetically modified animals with wild-type animals.

GWAS Studies

Genome-wide association studies scan the entire genome to identify genetic variants associated with specific phenotypes, aiming to discover variants missed by candidate gene approaches.

Diathesis-Stress Model

A model suggesting that individuals with a genetic predisposition (diathesis) are more vulnerable to negative environmental influences, such as stress.

Differential Susceptibility Model

A model proposing that some individuals are more sensitive to both negative and positive environmental influences, leading to varying outcomes based on gene-environment interactions.

Gene Expression

The process where genes are activated or deactivated by environmental factors, influencing the phenotype produced by the genotype.

Social Environments

Environments that significantly impact the expression of the human genome, with examples like chronic social isolation causing changes in genetic expression.

Epigenetic Change

Alters gene expression without changing DNA sequence

DNA Methylation

Process where methyl group attaches to DNA, influencing gene expression

Methylated Genes

Genes with methyl groups attached, generally inactive

Demethylation

Removal of methyl groups from DNA, increasing gene expression

Maternal Stress & LG Behavior

Maternal stress during gestation affects maternal behavior