Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior

These flashcards cover foundational concepts in biology and psychology, particularly focusing on the biological bases of behavior, genetic influences, the nervous system, and psychological concepts related to substance use and brain function.

What is psychology defined as?

The science of behavior and mental processes.

What is the nature-nurture issue?

The controversy over the relative contributions of genes and experiences in the development of psychological traits and behaviors.

Define natural selection.

The principle that inherited traits enabling an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment are more likely to be passed on.

What does evolutionary psychology study?

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

What is behavior genetics?

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

What are genes?

Biochemical units of heredity that produce proteins when active.

What distinguishes identical twins from fraternal twins?

Identical twins come from a single fertilized egg and are genetically identical, whereas fraternal twins develop from separate eggs and are genetically no closer than ordinary siblings.

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

It directs maintenance activities such as eating and drinking and helps govern the endocrine system.

What is neuroplasticity?

The brain's ability to change and adapt, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or building new pathways based on experiences.

What is the primary function of the frontal lobes?

They enable linguistic processing, muscle movements, higher-order thinking, and executive functioning.

What is a synapse?

The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron.

Describe the effects of opioids.

Opioids depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety, but are highly addictive.

What neurotransmitter is primarily associated with pleasure and reward?

Dopamine.

How does addiction affect substance use disorders?

Addiction leads to continued substance use despite life disruptions and negative consequences.

What are hallucinogens?

Psychedelic drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input.