Chapter 2 Flashcards
(24 cards)
causes of genetic abnormalities
Genes inherited through normal processes of inheritance(PKU), genes breakdown in the process of genetic transmission affecting the chromosomes (downs)
Preconception tests
test both parents for genes - IVF and test embryos
Amniocentesis
prenatal test, amniotic fluid it taken from the abdomen of the pregnant person, tested for genetic abnormalities in the fetus
chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
sample of the placenta is taken and sent off for testing
tools of culture
material tools: focus on physical objects or on observable patterns of behavior. vary from culture to culture
symbolic tools of culture
focus on abstract knowledge, beliefs and values affecting development - vary culture to culture
Mediation
process through which tools organize children’s activities and ways of relating to their environments
social enhancement
most basic process of cultural learning, children using cultural resources simply bcs the activities of others
enhanced the environment by making resources available
imitation
mirror neurons allow us to imitate things - neural copies of what others do
teaching
explicit instruction - the most complex form, only humans teach
what does symbolic communication enable humans to do?
permits expression of abstract ideas, desires, ambitions and emotions that convey cultural values
Phenotypic plasticity
Degree to which phenotype is open to influence by the environment rather than determined by genotype
High plasticity
More subject to phenotype change
Low phenotype plasticity
Less subject to change in phenotype
cumulative cultural evolution
cultures continue to evolve because they’re complex, w/individuals producing variations in the material and symbolic cultural tools they use
heredity
biological, generational transmission of characteristics
Genes
basic units of heredity, DNA molecules segments that serve as blueprints
types of twins
monozygotic (identical, from one zygote, identical genotypes) and dizygotic (fraternal, two zygotes)
Mutations
an error in the process of gene replacement that results in a change in the molecular structure of the DNA,
waddington’s landscape of phenotypic development
canalized traits follow confined courses
landscapes are unstable over the course of life, they vary based on life events
mutation characteristics
can be passed on to next generation if they occur in germ cells, add new genes to the pool, important source of variation of genotypes, most are harmful or even lethal - not adaptive
