Behavioral Genetics and Animal Models

These flashcards cover key terms related to behavioral genetics and animal models as discussed in the lecture.

Codominance

A genetic scenario where no allele can mask the expression of another allele.

Incomplete dominance

A genetic situation where the dominant allele does not completely mask the effects of a recessive allele.

Artificial selection

A process by which humans breed specific animals for desired traits.

Inbred strains

Genetically uniform populations that maintain specific traits through controlled breeding.

Quantitative genetics

The study of the genetics of complex traits that vary continuously.

Domestication syndrome

A set of traits that distinguish domesticated animals from their wild ancestors, often selected for in breeding.

Neural crest hypothesis

A theory explaining how changes in neural crest cells contribute to the domestication syndrome.

Behavioral traits in domestic dogs

Characteristics selected for in dogs, including sociability, obedience, and tameness.

Tameness

A behavioral trait indicating reduced aggression and increased docility in domesticated animals.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

A hormone involved in the body's response to stress and the fight-or-flight reaction.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

A hormone that stimulates the production of cortisol, impacting stress responses.

Hypersociability

An increased tendency to seek social interaction, often seen in domesticated animals.

Neural crest cells

Cells that originate from the embryonic ectoderm and contribute to various developmental processes in vertebrates.

Pleiotropic effects

When one gene influences multiple phenotypic traits.

Molecular analysis

The study of genes at the molecular level to identify genetic factors influencing traits.

Selection experiments

Studies designed to evaluate the heritability of specific traits by selective breeding.

Environmental conditioning

The influence of environmental factors on the expression of genetic traits.

Phenotype

The observable physical or behavioral characteristics of an organism, influenced by genetics and environment.

Genetic influence on behavior

The impact of genetic factors on the behavioral traits of organisms.