Biological Beginnings Chapter 2

The Evolutionary Perspective Natural selection Those individuals of a species that are a best adapted are the ones that survive and reproduce. They pass on their characteristics to the next generation They are better adapted to their world than non- survivors Charles Darwin

The Evolutionary Perspective Evolutionary Psychology Emphasizes the importance of adaptation, reproduction, and "survival of the fittest" in shaping behavior Behaviors that increase reproductive success How we make decisions, how aggressive we are, our fears, and our mating patterns

Genetic Foundations of Development Genetic influences on behavior evolved over time and across many species. DNA - not just inherited from parents, but what we inherited as a species from other species, that were our ancestors.

Genetic Foundations of Development Chromosomes- structures made up of DNA The nucleus of each human cell contains chromosomes DNA- Complex molecule that contains genetic information Genes- The units of hereditary information, short segments of DNA

Genetic Foundations of Development Genes are passed on through 3 processes Mitosis- cell reproduction, cells nucleus duplicates and the cell divides Meiosis- cell division that occurs to form eggs and sperm (Gametes) Fertilization-egg and sperm fuse to create a single cell, call a zygote

Genetic Foundations of Development Genotype-A persons genetic heritage; the actual genetic material Phenotype-The way an individual genotype is expressed in observed and measurable characteristics Physical characteristics and psychological characteristics

Genetic Foundations of Development Chromosomal Abnormalities (see chart in text) Down Syndrome - Mild to severe intellectual disability and physical abnormalities Klinefelter syndrome (XXY)- physical abnormalities Fragile X syndrome- intellectual disability, learning disability, short term attention span Turner Syndrome (XO)-intellectual disability and sexual underdevelopment XYY syndrome- above average height

Genetic Foundations of Development Gene-linked abnormalities (Mental concerns) - see chart in text Huntington disease - problems with muscle coordination and mental deterioration Phenylketonuria (PKU) - intellectual disability Spina Bifida - brain and spine abnormalities Tay-Sachs disease- deceleration of mental and physical development

Genetic Foundations of Development Genetic Counselor Identify and analyze inheritance patterns and explore options with the family Understand the kinds of problems, the odds of encountering them, and helpful strategies for offsetting some of their effects

Adoption Increased Diversity No income requirements Wide range of backgrounds Single adults, gay and lesbian adults, other family members 50% of US adoptions occur through the foster care system

Adoption Outcomes Higher risk for: Externalizing (aggression and conduct problems) Internalizing (anxiety and depression) Attention problems (ADHD) But majority adjust effectively

Adoption Outcomes Do better than children raised in long-term foster care Very early adopted do better than later adopted Open adoption (sharing identifying information of birth parents) Yields positive results in many studies for children and birth mothers Closed adoption (non sharing of info)

Parenting Adopted Children Parents need to recognize the unique differences in adoptive family life Communicate about these differences Show respect for the birth family Support the child's search for self and identity

Parenting Adopted Children Infancy: Counselors can help prospective adoptive parents develop realistic expectations Early childhood: 4-6 years is a natural time to begin to talk in simple ways to children about heir adoption status Middle and late childhood: Recognize that ambivalence is normal (mixed feelings and questions) Adolescence: Understand the complexity of the adolescents identity exploration and be patient with their lengthy identity search

Behavior Genetics The field that seeks to discover the influence of heredity and environment on individual difference in human traits and development. Twin Studies- behavioral similarity of identical twins compared with fraternal twins (identical twins with more conduct problems) Adoption studies- the behavior and psychological characteristics of adopted children are more like those of their adoptive parents, or more like those of the biological parents