Do Now Why do you think genes play a role in behavior?

Unit 3C : Genetics, Evolutionary Psych, and Behavior Behavior Genetics: Predicting individual differences

Introduction Behavior genetics Heredity versus the environment Environment = non-genetic, things around us EX: school Study of how genetics + environment = influence behavior

Codes for Life Chromosome DNA Genes Genome Lets break it down Active vs. inactive expressed vs. carrier Dominate vs. recessive Genome Lets break it down

Chromosomes Threadlike structures made of DNA molecule that contain genes Baby usually has 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total)

DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid A complex molecule contain genetic information that makes up chromosomes

Genes The biochemical units of heredity tat make up chromosomes; segments of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein

Inactive vs. Active Genes Inactive = we carry the trait/gene but it is not displayed Active = we carry and do display

Genome Genome Human Genome Instructions for making something All the genetic material in an organism’s chromosomes Human Genome The shared genetic sequence that makes us humans instead of chimps or tulips

Twins Identical Fraternal Look the same The same genetic make up 1 sperm and 1 egg made 2 babies during cell division Fraternal Like any other siblings Share a birthday 2 sperm and 2 eggs made 2 babies

During cell division it splits and becomes Identical Fraternal 2 sperm 2 eggs 2 babies gender doesn’t matter don’t look alike 1 sperm 1 egg During cell division it splits and becomes 2 people Same gender Look alike

Twin Studies – Jim Twins University of MN studied identical twins separated at birth Jim Twins Raised in different households Didn’t know about the other Similarities between the two Suggested that genes influence personality

Biological Vs Adoptive Genetic Relatives Those whose genes you have Environmental Relatives Those that raise you Impacts on PERSONALITY biological/genetic influence personality regardless on environment Heredity shapes personality Parents (bio or enviro) influence; Attitudes Values Morals religion/politics

Heritability Heritability How much of our difference as people are because of our genes EX: intelligence when two people are raised the same Helps explain differences Heritability of a trait can vary based on environment and the population studied

Heritability – Group Differences Heritable differences between individuals does not imply heritable group differences Height differences can be because of genes Why people are taller today than 100 years ago? Is it genes NO!! Its nutrition Heritability can explain individual differences not group differences

Nature and Nurture Genes are self-regulation Nature and nurture work together Genes and experience interact EX: cute babies (genes make you cute) get more attention from strangers (environment)

Molecular Genetics Molecular Genetics Molecular behavior genetics Looking for genes that influence weight, sexual orientation, extraversion…etc. Genetics and diseases Things like Down Syndrome

Today Questions? Begin HW HW = #s 4-6 (Evolutionary Psych)