total of 46 chromosomes-threat like structures made of dna molecules that contain genes › 23 from...
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Biological Bases of Behavior
3C: Genetics, Evolutionary Psychology, and Behavior
Genes: Our Codes for Life Total of 46 chromosomes-threat like
structures made of DNA molecules that contain genes› 23 from mom and 23 from dad› DNA: contains genetic information› Genes: biochemical units of heredity› Book example
Genes: Our Codes for Life
Genes can be active or inactive Environmental events “turn on” genes
› When turned on, they provide the building blocks of physical development
Human genome: common human DNA› Share 96% of our DNA with Chimps
Most of our traits are influenced by many genes› Physical to Intelligence› https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ubq4eu_TDFc
Twin and Adoption Studies Identical: develop from a single fertilized
egg that splits in two genetically identical› Share same genes, but may vary on the
number of copies of those genes› Some are mirror images of each other: left vs
right hand or have different personalities Fraternal: develop from separate fertilized
eggs https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Trc2dJgeyvc
Separated Twins
Read Case Studies page 97-99 Conclusions based on the reading? What do we need to be careful about
regarding separated identical twin studies?
Separated Twins
They continued to find similarities not only to taste and physical attributes but also of personality, abilities, attitudes, interests, and even fears
Remarkable similarities in life choices, support the idea that genes influenced personality
Greater appreciation of genetic influences Don’t over generalize! https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=0yTCShemS_0
Biological vs. Adoptive Relatives
Parents vs. Adoptive Parents Hereditary shapes personality
› Adoptees more similar to biological parents in personality than adoptive parents
However, parents due influenced their child’s attitudes, values, manners, faith, and politics
Most adoptive children thrive› Self-giving parents: children become more self-
giving, score higher on intelligence tests than biological parents
Heritability
The extent to which variation among individuals can be attributed to their differing genes. Rather it explains that 50% of the observed variation among people
Just because a trait is heritable does not mean it will affect an individual
We can never say what % of an individual's personality or intelligence is inherited
Group Differences and Heritability
Individual differences in height and weight are highly heritable yet nutritional rather than genetic
Heritable individual difference need not imply heritable group differences› Ex: Putting people in a new social context
can change their aggressiveness
Gene-Environment Interaction
Environment triggers gene activity Genetically influenced traits evoke
significant responses in others We select environments suited to our
natures Think nature via nurture
The New Frontier: Molecular Genetics
Molecular Genetics: identify specific genes influencing behavior
Goal is to find some of the genes that influenced normal human traits such as body weight, sexual orientation, personality, and mechanism that control gene expression
The New Frontier: Molecular Genetics
Genetics tests can reveal at-risk populations for many diseases
Medical personnel are able to provide parent with a readout on how their fetus gene’s differ from the normal patter› Double-edged sword? Problems?
Discrimination?
Evolutionary psychology: Understanding Human Nature
Focus on what makes humans so a like and use Darwin’s theory on natural selection to understand the roots of behavior and mental processes
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Darwin When certain traits are selected by
reproduction those traits will prevail Genes allow us with a great capacity to
learn and adapt to life in varied environments
Evolutionary Success Help Explains Similarities
Shared human traits shaped by natural selection
Shared human genome Outdated tendencies: crave sweets and
fats
An Evolutionary Explanation of Human Sexuality
Gender differences in sexuality Natural Selection and Mating
preferences› Ancestral History: Women more relational,
choosing wisely Men more recreational, pairing widely
› Today: Women attracted to more mature, bold, dominant, affluent. Men youthful/fertile appearance (WHY?)
Critiquing the Evolutionary Perspective
What’s considered attractive does vary time and place
Cultural expectations can bend genders
Social expectations and mate preferences
How we came to need does not dictate how we ought to be
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