Module 14 Flashcards
behavior genetics
the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental
influences on behavior.
heredity
the genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring.
environment
every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us.
chromosomes
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.
genes
the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins.
genome
the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism’s chromosomes.
identical (monozygotic) twins
develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms.
fraternal (dizygotic) twins
develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than ordinary brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment.
heritability
the proportion of variation among individuals in a group that we can attribute to genes. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending on the range of populations and environments studied.
interaction
the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor depends on another factor
molecular genetics
the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes.
molecular behavior genetics
the study of how the structure and function of genes interact with our
environment to influence behavior.
epigenetics
“above” or “in addition to” (epi) genetics; the study of environmental
influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change.
