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Biological approach - Coggle Diagram
Biological approach
Evolutionary psychology
Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection can be applied to the field of psychology. Evolutionary psychologists try to explain psychological traits as survival-enhancing adaptations.
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As an approach, evolutionary psychology seeks to explain psychological traits as survival-enhancing adaptations.
To be subject to evolution by natural selection, a behaviour must have a significant genetic cause.
In general, we expect all human cultures to express a behaviour if it is caused genetically, since the genetic differences among human groups are small.
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Genetics
Every person has a unique genetic code, and this arises through genetic variation. Each gene usually has a number of variations, or alleles, which make up a person's genotype. Each gene helps to shape a person's phenotype, along with their environment.
Genetic variation
Genetic variation, the genetic difference between individuals, is what contributes to a species' adaptation to its environment.
In humans, genetic variation begins with an egg, about 100 million sperm, and fertilisation.
The egg and the sperm each contain 23 chromosomes containing long strings of genetic material known as deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. DNA is made up of many genes.
Genes and alleles
In each chromosome, sequences of DNA make up genes that may control physical traits such as eye or hair colour.
A single gene may have different variations, known as alleles. For example, these alleles may cause the carrier of that gene to have blue eyes or green eyes.
When a sperm and egg fuse, each parent contributes half the genetic information carried by the off spring.
The resulting physical characteristics of the offspring (their phenotype) are determined by the genetic material from their parents (their genotype).
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Genetics and behaviour
Although genes provide an important biological blueprint for our bodies, they can also have an effect on our behaviour. A famous study shows that both our genes and our environment lay an important role in the expression of phycological disorders.
Genes don't only affect our physical characteristics - scientists have found genetic linkages to a number of behavioural characteristics, ranging from basic personality traits to sexual orientation to spirituality.
Genes are also associated with temperament and a number of psychological disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia.
So although genes provide a biological blueprint for our cells, tissues, organs, and body, they also have significant impact on our experiences and our behaviours.
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