PSYCH01X - Biological Bases of Behavior (Finals)

nature

refers largely to our genetics.

nurture

encompasses the environmental factors that impact who we are.

behavior genetics

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

environment

every external influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us

chromosomes

threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain an organism’s genes

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes

genes

the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes.

dominant trait

a trait that will appear in the offspring if one of the parents contributes it

recessive trait

traits that can be carried in a person's genes without appearing in that person. Only becomes a person’s phenotype if they inherent recessive genes from both parents.

phenotype

the set of observable characteristics of an individual

Example: blue eyes, brown hair, attached earlobes

genome

the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes

heritability

the extent to which variation among individuals can be attributed to their differing genes.

biopsychosocial

Human thought and behavior is best understood as _______: we are influenced by our biology, by evolutionary processes, but psychological experiences, and by our social-cultural circumstances