Biological Basis of Behavior and Cells

Flashcards covering key concepts related to behaviors, species selection in studies, and the role of specific hormones like oxytocin.

Levels of analysis

Multiple levels of analysis are necessary to explain behavior thoroughly.

Electrophysiology

A method used to examine the activity of individual neurons.

Genes and behavior

Study of how specific gene activities affect behavior.

Proximate causes

Immediate underlying causes based on internal mechanisms affecting individuals. (How it happened)

Ultimate causes

The evolutionary reasons behind a trait, including natural and sexual selection. (Why it happened)

Social withdrawal

The behavior of retreating from social interactions, often induced by stress.

Social salience

The concept that oxytocin increases the importance of social interactions.

Oxytocin

A hormone suggested to have potential antidepressant properties, influencing social behaviors.

Stratified mouse

A species used to study social interactions and related behavioral responses.

California mouse

A monogamous species studied for understanding parental effects on offspring.

How do proximate and ultimate causes differ in explaining behavior?

Proximate causes explain immediate 'how,' focusing on internal mechanisms, whereas ultimate causes explain evolutionary 'why,' focusing on natural and sexual selection.

Beyond potential antidepressant properties, what is a key social function of oxytocin?

Enhancing social bonding, trust, and maternal behaviors.

What do 'multiple levels of analysis' refer to in behavioral research?

Investigating behavior from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and systems perspectives up to cognitive and social levels.

Why is it crucial to select the appropriate species for behavioral research?

Species selection ensures the biological relevance of findings, aligning the model's characteristics with the research question (e.g., social behavior, gene function, neural circuitry).

What type of research benefits from species with well-characterized neural circuits, such as the frontal cortex?

Studies on complex cognitive functions, decision-making, and executive control, often involving electrophysiology techniques.

What is a common behavioral outcome of social stress in mice?

Increased social withdrawal, anxiety-like behaviors, and sometimes aggressive tendencies, depending on the stress paradigm.

How might antidepressants mitigate the effects of social stress on behavior?

By modulating neurotransmitter systems (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine) to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and potentially restore social engagement.

How does oxytocin influence social behavior in the context of stress?

Oxytocin can reduce stress-induced social withdrawal and enhance social interactions, potentially by increasing the 'social salience' of positive social cues.

What is the potential therapeutic role of oxytocin in stress-related social dysfunctions?

Due to its anxiolytic and prosocial effects, oxytocin is being investigated as a treatment for conditions characterized by social deficits and heightened stress, such as autism or social anxiety.

What factors are considered when selecting a species for behavioral research focused on gene function or complex social behaviors?

Factors include the ability to genetically manipulate the species, presence of natural complex social structures, and relevance of their behavioral repertoire to human conditions.

What is a frequently used experimental model to study the impact of social stress on mouse behavior?

The Chronic Social Defeat Stress (CSDS) paradigm is commonly employed to induce stress-related behaviors, including social withdrawal, in mice.

Which brain regions are primarily involved in the modulation of social behavior and stress responses by oxytocin?

Key brain regions include the amygdala, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens, which are critical for processing emotion, memory, and reward, respectively.