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Behavior genetics
the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences.
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Chromosomes
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes.
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DNA
a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.
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Evolutionary psychology
the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.
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Fraternal twins
twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment.
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Genes
the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein.
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Genome
the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes.
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Heritability
the proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending of the range of populations and environments studied.
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Identical twins
twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two, creating two genetically identical organisms.
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Mutation
a random error in gene replication that leads to a change.
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Natural selection
the principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those that lead to increased reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.
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