Chapter Three

sex verification testing

determining a persons sex through physical examinations, sex chromosome examinations, testosterone levels

gene-by-environment interactions

when a genetic tendency emerges under certain behavioural circumstances // when an environment shapes traits/behaviour only for those with a certain genetic makeup

passive gene-by-environment interactions

parents create certain rearing elements that cannot be separated from their own genetic makeup 

evocative gene-by-environment interactions

Individuals genetic tendency evokes specific treatment from others 

active gene-by-environment interactions

Individuals genetic tendency guides them to choose certain environments 

gut-brain axis

bidirectional communications that take place between the brain the gastrointestinal tract 

where are somatic cells found

organs, blood, bones, connective tissue

mini-puberty

birth-6mos, girls experience surges in testosterone/estrogen, boys experience surges in testosterone

prenatal androgen levels may predict what?

levels of masculinity, male-typed occupational preferences

turners syndrome

only a single X chromosome, typically identify as women

triple x syndrome

XXX chromosomal pattern

Klinefelter syndrome

XXY pattern, often identify as male

Jacobs syndrome

XYY pattern

congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)

overmanufacturing androgens. internally female, externally male.

complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS)

cells unable to respond to androgens. does not affect XX, makes XY appear female at birth

partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS)

partial inability for cells to respond to androgens. only affects XY, genitals may resemble enlarged clitoris or small penis

optimal sex

binary sex that doctors/parents perceive as best option for newborn whose genitalia appears atypical at birth

phalloplasty

lengthening of urethra, construction of a penis using grafted tissue

metoidioplasty

elargement/separation of the clitoris to form a penis

in which area of the brain do women show higher volume/density than men?

frontal (pole) cortex- planning, decision-making

in which area of the brain do men show higher volume/density than women?

left hippocampus (memory, learning, emotion (fear))

neurosexism

interpreting the findings of neuroscience research in ways that reinforce gender stererotypes without valid supporting evidence

evolutionary psychology

genetically heritable adaptations evolved because they helped ancestral humans survive and reproduce 

Biosocial constructionist theory

How biological differences between men and women lead to sex-based labour divisions in society, which then shape the development of role-relevant skills/gender stereotypes 

INTRAsexual selection

having a feature that gives one a competitive edge over the other same-sex members in the contest for mates 

INTERsexual selection

 having a feature that gives one an advantage by increasing attractiveness to the other sex 

parental investment theory

the sex that invests more in parenting (typically female) will be more selective in its choice of mates, will prefer mates with social status/resources 

genital tubercle

undifferentiated embryonic structure that develops into the clitoris or penis 

Genital ridge

Undifferentiated precursor to ovaries or testes