CAS PS 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Synaptic Pruning, Twin Study

• School: Boston University
• Department: Psychological & Brain Sciences
• Course: CAS PS 101
• Professor: Robert Reinhart

Document Summary

Both genes (nature) and the environment (nurture) combine to shape human development. In order to understand human development, one has to examine both factors. the genome is the master blueprint for making an organism the genome provides the option, and the environment determines which option is taken . Phenotype: an organism"s observable physical characteristics; always changing. Genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) both in uence phenotype. Example: what color are the petals of a ower. Behavioral geneticists use two methods to assess the degree to which behavioral traits (phenotypes) are inherited. Twin studies compare similarities between monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins to determine the genetic basis of speci c traits. Greater similarity of monozygotic twins (raised together or apart) is likely due to genetic in uence. Adoption studies compare biological relatives and adoptive relatives. Example: a researcher followed more than 1,000 new zealanders from birth until adulthood. Every few years information was collected about the participants.