UNIT 3 BIOLOGY Mod 14 Behavior GeneticsPredicting Individual

UNIT 3 BIOLOGY Mod. 14: Behavior Genetics—Predicting Individual Differences

Genes: Our Code for Life • Behavior Geneticists: study human differences and weigh the effects and interplay of heredity and environment • Environment—external influences • Genetics: human life…a book with 46 chapters (chromosomes), 23 from each parent • DNA: genetic info , makes up chromosome • Genes : tiny units of DNA, 20, 000 -25, 000 • If active, they are expressed

Genes Cont. • Genome: instructions for creating an organism • Gene sequencing • Geneticists study gene variations and how it affects behavior/though/ etc • Genetic predisposition: genetically influenced traits help explain both shared human nature and diversity

Twin and Adoption Studies • Identical Twins (monozygotic) • Fraternal Twins (dizgotic) • Identical twins are basically a clone, same genes with some slight variations

Separated Twins • “Jim” twins…example from your book • Critics will say while they were separated they were probably raised in similar setting and looking for similarities

Biological vs. Adoptive Relatives • Adopted children are more like their birth parents in regards to personality • Adoptive parents influence attitudes, values, manners, faith, and politics

Molecular Genetics • Focusing on specific genes that affect behavior • Genes interacting • Looking for risks of disease

Heritability • The proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes • Varies, depending on populations and environments being studied • Measured from 0 -1: • 0 [0%] (low heritability): Influenced by environment • 1 [100%] (high heritability): Influenced by genes • E. g. : If the heritability of intelligence in a given population/environment is 40% (moderately low), then genetic influence explains 40% of differences in intelligence among that specific population • Herit: Inherit • Ability: Capability

Genes—Environmental Interaction • Our genes and environment interact • Epigenetics: studying gene- environment interaction