Evolutionary Perspective and Genetic Foundations in Development

The Evolutionary Perspective

  • Learning Goal 1: Discuss the evolutionary perspective on life-span development.

    • Natural Selection and Adaptive Behavior:

    • Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

    • Adaptive behavior refers to actions that enhance survival and reproduction, shaped by evolutionary processes.

  • Evolutionary Psychology:

    • Explores how psychological traits may have developed through evolutionary processes.

    • Focus on how certain behaviors or traits are advantageous for survival.

Genetic Foundations of Development

  • Learning Goal 2: Describe what genes are and how they influence human development.

    • The Collaborative Gene:

    • Genes play a pivotal role in biological development and interact with environment factors.

  • Genes and Chromosomes:

    • Genes are segments of DNA located on chromosomes.

    • Human cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

  • Genetic Principles:

    • Dominant and recessive genes influence traits.

    • Punnett squares can illustrate inheritance patterns.

  • Chromosomal and Gene-Linked Abnormalities:

    • Abnormalities can result from deviations in chromosomal number or structure (e.g., Down syndrome) or gene mutations (e.g., cystic fibrosis).

Heredity and Environment Interaction: The Nature-Nurture Debate

  • Learning Goal 3: Explain how heredity and environment interact to produce individual differences in development.

    • Behavior Genetics:

    • Investigates the influence of genetics and environment on psychological traits.

  • Heredity-Environment Correlations:

    • Suggests that one’s environment can enhance the expression of genetic predispositions.

    • Types include:

    • Passive correlation: Environmental exposure based on parents' genetics.

    • Evocative correlation: Genetic predisposition influences responses from others.

    • Active correlation: Genetic tendencies lead individuals to seek certain environments.

  • The Epigenetic View and Gene x Environment (G × E) Interaction:

    • Epigenetics studies how environmental factors can alter gene expression without changing DNA.

    • G × E interaction shows how genes can respond to environmental contexts.

  • Conclusions About Heredity-Environment Interaction:

    • Development is shaped by dynamic interactions between genetics and environment, leading to variations among individuals.

Prenatal Development

  • Learning Goal 4: Characterize the course of prenatal development and its hazards.

    • The Course of Prenatal Development:

    • Divided into three trimesters, each with specific developmental milestones.

  • Prenatal Diagnostic Tests:

    • Tests such as ultrasound, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling assess fetal development and genetic conditions.

  • Hazards to Prenatal Development:

    • Factors include teratogens (drugs, alcohol), infections, and maternal health.

  • Prenatal Care:

    • Important for monitoring fetal health, maternal wellbeing, and preventing complications.

Birth and the Postpartum Period

  • Learning Goal 5: Summarize how birth takes place and describe the nature of the postpartum period.

    • The Birth Process:

    • Consists of three stages: dilation of the cervix, delivery of the baby, and expulsion of the placenta.

  • The Transition from Fetus to Newborn:

    • Involves physiological adjustments including the establishment of breathing and circulation outside the womb.

  • Low Birth Weight and Preterm Infants:

    • Low birth weight can lead to health complications.

    • Preterm infants require special medical attention.

  • Bonding:

    • The emotional connection between parents and newborns is crucial for the child’s development.

    • Postpartum Period: During this time, parents undergo significant emotional and physical changes that can impact their ability to bond with their infant. Additionally, understanding these changes is essential for healthcare providers to offer appropriate support and interventions that foster bonding and secure attachment.