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Evolution, Genes, and Behavior

Evolution, Genes, and Behavior. Unlocking the Secrets of Genes. Genes and how they operate Human Genome Project Studying genetic material The link between genetics and behavior. Genes and How They Operate. Genes

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Evolution, Genes, and Behavior

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  1. Evolution, Genes, and Behavior

  2. Unlocking the Secrets of Genes • Genes and how they operate • Human Genome Project • Studying genetic material • The link between genetics and behavior

  3. Genes and How They Operate • Genes • functional units of heredity which are composed of DNA and specify the structure of proteins. • Chromosomes • rod-shaped structures within cells that carry genes. • DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) • transfers genetic characteristics by way of instructions for the structure of proteins.

  4. The Link Between Genes and Behavior • Even when researchers locate a gene on a chromosome, they do not automatically know its role in physical or psychological functioning. • Most human traits are influenced by more than one gene pair. • Examples include height and eye color.

  5. Evolution and Natural Selection Natural selection – The driving force behind evolution, by which the environment “selects” the fittest organisms Charles Darwin- On the Origin of the Species (1859)

  6. Environmental pressure (changes in the environment) Competition (for resources) Selection of effective phenotype (from among a variety of phenotypes) Reproductive success Frequency of that genotype increases (in next generation)

  7. Genes and Inheritance Genotype – An organism’s genetic makeup -inaccurate terminology (“blueprint”, timetable) Phenotype – An organism’s observable or measurable characteristics

  8. Plasticity Plasticity – Ability of a living organism to adapt or change as the result of experience (e.g., the nervous system and neural plasticity*) *Plant Story*

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