1 Brain_localization

Biological Approach

A psychological perspective that emphasizes the influence of biology on behavior, including the physiology of the brain, biochemistry, and genetics.

Brain Localisation

The concept that different regions of the brain are responsible for specific functions, implying the brain is made up of specialized modules.

Phrenology

An outdated field of study that linked bumps on the skull to personality traits and intelligence and contributed to the idea of brain localization.

Hemispheric Lateralisation

The distinction in functions between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, with each hemisphere controlling different tasks.

Frontal Lobe

The part of the brain responsible for executive functions like decision-making, impulse control, and regulating social behavior.

Case Study

A research method involving an in-depth analysis of a single individual or group, which provides insights but limits generalizability.

Limbic Brain

A system of interconnected brain structures that regulate emotions and behaviors, including the hippocampus and amygdala.

Neocortex

The part of the brain associated with higher-order functions, such as language and abstract thought.

Motor Cortex

The area of the brain located in the frontal lobe that controls voluntary movements and action planning.

Somatosensory Cortex

The brain region responsible for processing sensory information from the body, including touch, temperature, and pain.

Wernicke's Area

A region of the brain involved in understanding spoken and written language, located in the left hemisphere.

Broca's Area

The brain region responsible for language production and articulation, typically found in the left hemisphere.

PET Scan

A brain imaging technique that measures metabolic activity and blood flow in different brain regions.

Amygdala

A structure in the limbic system central to emotional processing, particularly fear and threat detection.

Hippocampus

The brain structure critical for forming new memories and spatial navigation.

Neuroscience

The study of the nervous system, including the brain and its impact on behavior and cognitive functions.

Causal Relationship

A connection between two variables where one directly affects the other, often established through experimental research.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter essential for various functions, including reward, motivation, and motor control.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics that influence behavior.

Cognitive Neuroscience

An interdisciplinary field that explores the relationship between brain function and cognitive processes.

Cell Theory

The scientific theory that states all living organisms are composed of cells, and that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Homeostasis

The process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Cell Respiration

The process of converting glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water in cells.

Evolution

The gradual development of organisms over generations through the process of natural selection and genetic change.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism, determining inherited traits.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Natural Selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA and genetic information.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Biomes

Large ecological areas on the earth's surface, with flora and fauna adapting to their environment.

Ecology

The branch of biology that studies the interactions between organisms and their environment.

Symbiosis

A close relationship between two different organisms, which may benefit one or both parties.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from male anthers to female stigmas, necessary for fertilization in flowering plants.

Osmosis

The movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Diversity

The variety of life forms within a given ecosystem or on Earth as a whole.

Trophic Levels

The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem that categorize organisms based on their feeding positions.

Niche

The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.

Food Chain

A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Food Web

A complex network of interrelated food chains in an ecosystem.

PREDATOR-PREY Relationship

The dynamic interactions between two species where one species (predator) feeds on the other (prey).

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading.

Biotic Factors

Living components (like animals, plants, and microorganisms) that affect the population of other organisms.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living environmental elements (like temperature, water, and minerals) that influence ecosystems.

Genetic Drift

A process by which allele frequencies within a population change due to random sampling of organisms.

Reproductive Isolation

Mechanisms that prevent different species from interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Adaptation

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Endangered Species

A species at risk of extinction due to loss of habitat, threats, or changes in environment.

Invasive Species

A non-native species that spreads rapidly in a new environment, causing harm to native populations.

Conservation

The sustainable management of natural resources to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.