Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Gregor Mendel, Phenotypic Trait, Genetic Engineering

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Dr.Mike

Document Summary

Our physical development is in part directed by a genetic blueprint passed down to us by our parents which set limits on our behavioural capabilities. Our genetics combine with environmental factors to determine our behaviour. Nature and nurture both play roles, but to what extent is the question. Psychologists working in the field of behaviour genetics study the ways in which favourable and unfavourable environmental conditions can affect the genetically inherited potential of an organism. Hippocrates was the first one to suggest that semen contains some sort of design for the formation of the offspring" which would be proved 22 centuries later by gregor. Mendel proved that heredity involves passing on of specific organic factors, not a simple blending of the parents" characteristics. These characteristics might be visible in the child, or they might just be there for passing on to later generations.