PSYC 1100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Evolutionary Psychology, Epigenetics, Parenting
Document Summary
Genes are portion of dna within a chromosome: biochemical units of heredity that make up chromosomes, threadlike coils of dna, when genes are expressed they provide code for creating protein that form our body"s building blocks. Shared genetic profile that distinguishes humans from other species: consist of all genetic material, a biological parent donates half of his/her chromosomes to offspring, we receive half from each parent. Controlling variables: vary environment keep genes constant vary genes and keep environment constant. Identical twins do not always have same number of copies of genes: not all twins share same placenta, develop from single fertilized egg same genetic materials. Fraternal twins and identical twins are different: personality, extraversion, behavior, divorce, abilities, skills. Studies conducted with adopted children for whom the biological relatives are known: adopted children seem to be more similar to genetic relatives than environment, given evidence of genetic impact human outcomes, does parenting/nurture make any difference.