PSYCH101 Chapter Notes - Chapter Week 4: Axon Terminal, Human Behaviour, Limbic System

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH101
• Professor: Richard Ennis

Document Summary

3. 1 genetic and evolutionary perspectives on behaviour: nature vs. nurture. Evolutionary psychology: attempts to explain human behaviours based on the beneficial function(s) they may have served in our species" development. Intra- and intersexual selection: alpha male dominant male. Intersexual selection a situation in which members of one sex select a mating partner based on their desirable traits. Evolution, the brain, and behaviour: homo habilis (handy man) large brain, homo erectus (erect man) walk upright, homo sapiens (wise men) think abstractly and communicate ideas. 3. 2 how the nervous system works: cells and neurotransmitters. Neural communication: neurons one of the major types of cells found in the nervous system, that are responsible for sending and receiving messages throughout the body. The chemical messengers: neurotransmitters and hormones: excitatory increased probability an action potential will occur (less negative than resting) Aggression, and appetite: regulation of sleep, appetite, mood.