Myers psychology Chapter 4 Vocab

Behavior Genetics

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

Environment

In behavior genetics, this refers to every non genetic, or external, influence on our traits and behaviors.

Chromosomes

Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes. In conception, the 23 in the egg are paired with the 23 in the sperm.

DNA

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up chromosomes.

Genes

The biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; they are segments of DNA molecules capable of synthesizing a protein.

Genome

The complete genetic instructions for making up an organism.

Identical Twins

Develop from a single (monozygotic) fertilized egg that splits in two and therefore are genetically identical.

Fraternal Twins

Develop from two separate (dizygotic) eggs fertilized by different sperm and are therefore no more genetically similar than ordinary siblings.

Temperament

refers to a person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity.

Molecular Genetics

The subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of specific genes.

Heritability

Refers to the proportion of variation among individuals that can be attributed to genes.

Interaction

Occurs when the effects of one factor (such as environment) depend on another factor (such as heredity)

Epigenetics

The study of influences on gene expression that occur without a change in DNA.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of the evolution of behavior and the ind using principles of natural selection.

Natural Selection

The evolutionary principle that traits that lead to increased reproduction and survival are the most likely to be passed on to succeeding generations.