PSYH 104 Genes, Evolution, & Behaviour

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism.

DNA to Protein Pathway

DNA transcribes to mRNA, translates to polypeptides, then folds into proteins.

Genotype vs. Phenotype

Genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the observable physical/behavioral traits.

Genetic Relatedness: Parent & Child

Parents share 50% of their genetic material with offspring.

Genetic Relatedness: Twins

Identical twins share 100% of their genes; fraternal twins share 50%.

Polygenic Transmission

The process where multiple gene pairs combine to create a single phenotypic trait.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors without altering DNA.

Gene Knockout Procedure

A technique used to render a specific gene inactive to study its function.

Behavioral Genetics

The study of how hereditary and environmental factors influence behavioral traits.

Heritability vs. Heredity

Heredity is trait transmission; heritability is the proportion of population variance due to genes.

Concordance Rate

The percentage of twin pairs or relatives who display the same specific trait.

Adoption Studies

Research comparing adopted children to biological and adoptive parents to infer genetic influence.

Twin Studies

Research comparing identical and fraternal twins to estimate genetic vs. environmental impact.

Reaction Range

The genetically determined range of potential expression for a phenotypic trait.

Three Sources of Variation in Twin Studies

Genetic contribution, shared environmental experiences, and unique individual experiences.

OCEAN Model

The Big Five personality traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

Evolutionary Psychology

The subfield studying how natural selection shapes human mind and behavior.

Broad vs. Specific Adaptations

Broad adaptations apply to varied tasks; specific adaptations solve distinct survival problems.

Human Social Adaptations

Innate language acquisition, face responsiveness, group-seeking behavior, and universal emotions.

Parental Investment & Offspring Count

High parental investment per offspring typically correlates with producing fewer offspring.

Monogamy vs. Polygamy

Monogamy involves one mate; polygamy involves multiple mating partners.

Altruism vs. Cooperation

Cooperation benefits both individuals; altruism benefits another at a cost to oneself.

Kin Selection Theory

Altruistic behavior evolved because it increases the survival of shared genes in relatives.

Reciprocal Altruism

Altruism toward non-relatives based on the expectation that help will be returned in the future.

Dominance Hierarchies

Social rankings that reduce overt aggression by establishing clear access to resources.

Genetic Determinism Pitfall

The mistaken belief that genes strictly dictate all human behaviors and outcomes.

Social Darwinism Pitfall

The faulty application of natural selection concepts to justify social inequality.

Defending Status Quo Pitfall

Misusing evolutionary theories to argue that current social conditions are unchangeable.