PSY 2301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Epigenetics, Homo Habilis, Homo Sapiens

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 2301
• Professor: Andree- Anne Ledoux

Document Summary

Study in the difference in gene expression related to environment. Epigenetic factors do not change your genes, but they do influence how your genes excpress the inherited traits. Epigenetic changes persist throughoug a lifetime, and the cumulative effects make a dramatic difference in how your genes work. You could take 2 clones, the exact same genes, but differential epigenetic expression modifies their traits. All animal species are related, so the brain must be a related structure. If the brain is a related structure, behaviuour must be related. With common ancestors, we can study and understand human behaviour and brain function by comparing the genes, brain and behaviour of different animals to us. A common ancestor is a forebearer from which two or more lineages or family groups arise. We are apes, we share a common ancestor (the forebearer) with them. Can trace our lineage with animal studies.