Heredity and Environment in Psychology
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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of Evolutionary Psychology?

Evolutionary Psychology focuses on understanding the role of natural selection in shaping human behavior and mental processes.

What is the main focus of Behavior Genetics?

Behavior Genetics investigates the ways in which genes and different environments contribute to individual differences in behavior.

What percentage of our genome is similar across all humans?

  • 85%
  • 50%
  • 70%
  • 100%
  • 95% (correct)

The text suggests that individuals raised in a different country than their birthplace are a stronger example of nature influencing their behavior.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of genes in shaping our behaviors, according to Behavior Genetics?

<p>Behavior Genetics suggests that genes influence our behavioral similarities by shaping the fundamental structure and function of our brains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many chromosomes do humans inherit from each parent?

<p>23 (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of genes in relation to protein creation.

<p>Genes act as codes that instruct our bodies to produce specific proteins, which are essential for various bodily functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identical twins share the exact same number of copies of all their genes.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key ethical consideration in twin studies?

<p>A primary ethical concern with twin studies is ensuring the informed consent and well-being of individuals involved. They require careful attention to potential harm or exploitation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the concept of gene-environment interaction.

<p>Gene-environment interaction highlights the complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental influences, shaping how certain traits develop.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does epigenetics study?

<p>Epigenetics focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors can alter gene expression, effectively influencing genetic information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of environmental factors that can affect epigenetics?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author's perspective suggests that the study of twins, particularly identical twins, does not provide valuable insights into the nature versus nurture debate.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the main conclusion about the nature versus nurture debate presented in the reading.

<p>The information provided in the document suggests that both nature and nurture play significant roles in shaping who we are. Ultimately, it's the complex interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental influences that determines individual characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author suggests that most of our unique traits are polygenetic.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do evolutionary psychologists seek to explain human traits and behavior tendencies?

<p>Evolutionary psychologists seek to understand how human traits and behavioral tendencies have been shaped by the process of natural selection over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about shared family environments and personality is true?

<p>They don't have much influence on personality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Our genetically influenced traits can influence our experiences and responses to the world.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of epigenetics?

<p>Epigenetics investigates the molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors can trigger or block the expression of genes, effectively modifying genetic information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of natural selection in relation to the evolution of behavior.

<p>Natural selection favors traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common, potentially shaping behavioral tendencies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nature

The idea that our traits and behaviors are determined by our biological inheritance.

Nurture

The idea that our traits and behaviors are shaped by our experiences and environment.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits best suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolutionary history influences our behavior and mental processes.

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Behavior Genetics

The study of how genes and environment interact to influence our individual differences.

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DNA

A molecule containing the genetic instructions for an organism's development and function.

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Gene

A segment of DNA that contains instructions for a specific trait or function.

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Gene Expression

The process of turning genes on or off, controlling their activity and influencing traits.

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Epigenetics

The study of how the environment can affect gene expression.

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Identical Twins

Twins developed from a single fertilized egg that splits.

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Fraternal Twins

Twins developed from two separate fertilized eggs.

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Twin Studies

Studies that compare identical twins raised together and apart to understand the influence of nature vs nurture.

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Behavioral Genetics

The scientific study of the relative influence of genes and environment on behavior.

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Human Genome Similarity

All humans share approximately 95% of their DNA.

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Genetic Variation

Differences in our DNA account for our individual characteristics.

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Adaptive Traits

The characteristics that are most likely to be passed on through generations due to their contribution to survival and reproduction.

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Polygenetic Traits

Traits that are influenced by multiple genes.

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Gene-Environment Interaction

The influence of genes and environment working together to shape our traits.

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Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors can influence gene expression.

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Natural Selection

The process by which organisms with traits best suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully.

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Nurture

The idea that our traits and behaviors are shaped by our experiences and environment.

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Nature

The idea that our traits and behaviors are determined by our biological inheritance.

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Behavior Genetics

The study of how genes and environment interact to influence our individual differences.

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Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolutionary history influences our behavior and mental processes.

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Gene

A segment of DNA that contains instructions for a specific trait or function.

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Gene Expression

The process of turning genes on or off, controlling their activity and influencing traits.

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DNA

A molecule containing the genetic instructions for an organism's development and function.

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Fraternal Twins

Twins developed from two separate fertilized eggs.

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Identical Twins

Twins developed from a single fertilized egg that splits.

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Study Notes

Interaction of Heredity and Environment

  • Heredity and environment interact to shape human traits and behaviors.
  • Nature vs. nurture debate explores whether traits are innate or acquired.
  • Plato favored nature, while Aristotle supported nurture.
  • Charles Darwin proposed natural selection, influencing evolutionary psychology.

Evolutionary Psychology

  • Evolutionary psychology studies the roots of behavior and mental processes through natural selection.
  • Natural selection favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a specific environment.
  • The rock pocket mouse ( Chaetodipus intermedius) is an example of species adaptation.

Human Genome

  • Humans are 95% genetically similar, with 5% differences.
  • Genetic differences can vary more between individuals from different countries than between those from the same country, illustrating the role of environment.

Behavior Genetics

  • Behavior genetics examines how genes and environment influence differences between individuals.
  • Genes contribute to similarities in behaviors like reciprocity, conformity, hierarchies, etc.
  • The environment plays a significant role in shaping individuality.

Genes

  • Genes are segments of DNA, the blueprint for creating proteins.
  • Humans possess approximately 20,000 genes, not all of which are active.
  • Gene expression determines traits and differences among individuals.
  • A gene's expression can be influenced by environment (diet, stress, drugs, etc).

Twin Studies

  • Identical twins share almost identical genomes.
  • Separated identical twins can reveal the influence of environment and genetics on traits.
  • Ethical concerns arise when conducting research on twins.

Identical vs. Fraternal Twins

  • Identical (monozygotic) twins arise from a single fertilized egg, while fraternal (dizygotic) twins arise from two separate fertilized eggs.
  • Identical twins have greater similarities than fraternal twins.

Gene-Environment Interaction

  • Some genetic traits develop similarly across diverse environments, like eye color.
  • Other traits are influenced by specific environments.
  • Understanding gene-environment interactions is crucial for predicting who may be vulnerable to a condition (e.g., COVID risk).

Epigenetics

  • Epigenetics studies how environments modify genetic information.
  • Genes can regulate their own expression, which can be influenced by environmental factors (e.g., diet, stress, drugs).
  • Epigenetic changes can affect gene expression and outcomes despite no modifications to the DNA sequence itself.
  • Childhood trauma, poverty, and malnutrition can impact gene expression.

Review

  • Evolutionary psychologists study how traits and behaviors are shaped by natural selection and genetic variations for survival and reproduction.
  • Humans share genetic predispositions to behave in ways beneficial to their ancestors' survival.
  • Behavior geneticists study the relative influences of genetic and environmental factors on traits.
  • Most human traits are polygenic, meaning they're influenced by multiple genes and are affected by individual environments.

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Interaction of Heredity and Environment PDF

Description

Explore the intricate interactions between heredity and environment in shaping human traits and behaviors. This quiz delves into the nature vs. nurture debate, evolutionary psychology, and the influence of genetics on behavior. Test your understanding of key concepts and examples in this critical area of psychology.

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