Interaction of Heredity and Environment - AP Psychology
- What is an evocative gene-environment correlation?
- Genes evoke responses from the environment that enhance genetic tendencies. Individual traits elicit specific responses from others.
- Which term describes the effect of environment on gene expression?
- Epigenetics. Studies how environment can turn genes on or off.
- What is an example of a shared environmental influence?
- Family income. An environmental factor that siblings experience similarly.
- What is the definition of 'nurture' in the nature vs. nurture debate?
- 'Nurture' refers to environmental influences on behavior and traits. The environmental contribution to individual differences.
- What does the term 'gene-environment correlation' mean?
- Genetic factors influence exposure to specific environments. Genes influence what environments individuals encounter.
- Identify a primary method used to study genetic influence on behavior.
- Twin studies. Compares identical twins to assess genetic influence on traits.
- What is an example of a non-shared environmental influence?
- Different peer groups. Unique experiences that make siblings different from each other.
- What does the term 'genotype' refer to?
- Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism. The DNA blueprint that influences an organism's traits.
- Identify a factor that influences both heredity and environment.
- Socioeconomic status. It affects both genetic expression and environmental opportunities.
- Which concept explains the influence of prenatal environment on development?
- Fetal programming. Early environment permanently alters gene expression patterns.
- Which concept explains how environment influences genetic expression?
- Gene-environment correlation. When genes and environment mutually influence each other.
- Identify an example of a passive gene-environment correlation.
- Parents pass on genes and also create a compatible environment. Children inherit both genes and matching environmental contexts.
- What is the primary focus of behavioral genetics?
- Understanding how genes and environment impact behaviors. It examines genetic contributions to psychological traits and behaviors.
- Identify a method to measure the impact of environment on intelligence.
- Environmental enrichment studies. Studies how improved environments affect cognitive performance.
- What does the term 'plasticity' refer to in a genetic context?
- The capacity for genes to be influenced by the environment. Genes can be responsive to environmental inputs.
- What does a high heritability score imply?
- A large portion of trait variation is due to genetic differences. Most individual differences are explained by genetic factors.
- What is the role of methylation in epigenetics?
- Methylation can silence gene expression. A key epigenetic mechanism for controlling gene activity.
- Which term describes the study of changes in organisms caused by gene expression?
- Epigenetics. Focuses on heritable changes in gene activity without DNA changes.
- What is the concept of 'reaction range' in genetics?
- The range of possible phenotypes for a genotype influenced by the environment. Environment determines which potential phenotype is expressed.
- Which study design helps separate genetic and environmental influences?
- Adoption studies. Children share genes with biological parents, environment with adoptive.
- What is the role of genes in determining intelligence?
- Genes contribute to intelligence but interact with environmental factors. Intelligence is polygenic and highly influenced by environment.
- What is the definition of a genetic predisposition?
- An increased likelihood of developing a particular trait based on genetics. Genes increase probability but don't guarantee trait expression.
- What is the definition of a phenotype?
- Phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism. It's the visible expression of genetic and environmental factors.
- Identify a factor that demonstrates gene-environment interaction in health.
- Diet and obesity. Genetic susceptibility modifies response to dietary factors.
- Identify the concept describing how experience can shape brain structure.
- Neuroplasticity. The brain's ability to reorganize based on experience.
- What does the term 'cultural inheritance' refer to?
- Transmission of cultural beliefs and practices across generations. Non-genetic transmission of learned behaviors and knowledge.
- What is the definition of heritability?
- Heritability is the proportion of variation among individuals attributable to genes. It quantifies genetic vs. environmental contributions to trait differences.
- Which psychological disorder has a well-documented genetic component?
- Schizophrenia. Shows strong genetic component with environmental triggers.
- Identify a key environmental factor that affects cognitive development.
- Nutrition. Essential for proper brain development and intellectual growth.
- What is the definition of 'heritability coefficient'?
- A statistic representing the proportion of phenotypic variance due to genetics. Ranges from 0 to 1, indicating genetic contribution strength.
- What is the definition of a gene-environment interaction?
- It is when genetic predisposition modifies response to environmental factors. Different genotypes respond differently to the same environment.
- Identify a psychological trait with significant genetic influence.
- Personality. Shows strong genetic influence with moderate heritability.
- What is the definition of 'nature' in the nature vs. nurture debate?
- 'Nature' refers to genetic or hereditary factors influencing behavior. The biological contribution to individual differences.
- Which term refers to the unique experiences affecting development?
- Non-shared environment. Individual-specific factors that create sibling differences.
- What is the definition of 'epigenetic modification'?
- Chemical changes to DNA that affect gene expression without altering the sequence. These changes can be inherited across generations.
- Which concept describes how identical genes can lead to different outcomes?
- Phenotypic plasticity. The ability of genotype to produce different phenotypes.
- Which factor can modify the expression of genetic traits?
- Environmental conditions. Environment can activate or suppress genetic predispositions.
- What is the term for environmental influences that are consistent for siblings?
- Shared environment. Common family experiences that affect all children similarly.