Module 7 for psych

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts in behavior genetics, twin and adoption studies, epigenetics, and evolutionary psychology based on the lecture transcript.

Environment

Every non-genetic influence, ranging from prenatal nutrition to the experiences of the people and things around us.

Heredity

The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring.

Behavior Genetics

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

Chromosome

A thread-like structure made of DNA molecules that contains the 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; small segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins.

Genome

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

Polygenic

Influenced by many genes that each have a small effect, describing how most human traits are formed.

Identical Twins (Monozygotic Twins)

Individuals who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms.

Fraternal Twins (Dizygotic Twins)

Individuals who develop from separate fertilized eggs; they are genetically no closer than ordinary siblings, but share a prenatal environment.

Genetic Relatives

An individual's biological parents and biological siblings.

Environmental Relatives

An individual's adoptive parents and adoptive siblings.

Interaction

The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity).

Epigenetics

The study of the molecular mechanisms by which environments can trigger or block genetic expression without a DNA change.

Epigenetic Marks

Molecules attached to parts of a DNA segment that direct associated genes on what to do, where to do it, and when to do it.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.

Natural Selection

The principle that inherited traits that better enable an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment will, in competition with other trait variations, most likely be passed on to subsequent generations.

Mutation

A random error in gene replication that leads to a change.

Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.