human behavioral biology
Genes - segments of DNA that carry genetic information. mutations different consequences testicular feminization syndrome types of micromutations point mutation (one letter change) insertion mutation deletion mutation genes coding for certain types of traits vs. different versions of particular genes punctuated equilibrium vs gradualism regulation of gene expression epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence transcription affected by environment splicing enzyme promoters genes for transcription factors
reulatory vs coding partos of DNA transposable genetic elements auto-immune diseases selective bottleneck (cheetahs)
Behavioral Genetics
heritability of behavior behavior genetics non-genetic inheritance of traits (prenatal environment) Dutch Hunger Winter - metabolic programming thrifty metabolism Identical twins separated at birth domesticated silver fox mytochondria coming from the mother inheritance of acquired traits
Behavioral Genetics II
Locating genes having to do with specific traits genetic diseases (PKU, Huntington's disease...) genetic markers Vasopressin monogamous or polygamous males gene for vasopressin receptor randomness, brownian motion the fact that humans have 5 fingers is an inherited trait; variability, i.e. less than or more than 5 fingers is regulated by the environment, so the heritability is essentially 0 percent.
Recognizing Relatives critical questions: how big is the difference?