Biological Basis of Behavior
About this set
Created by:
brownies_n_milk on May 4, 2009
Subjects:
Log in to favorite or report as inappropriate.
Order by
13 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 Biopsychology | Specialty in psychology that studies the interaction of biology, behavior and mental process |
| Neuroscience | a relatively new interdisciplinary field that focuses on the brain and its role in psychological processes |
| Evolution | the gradual process of biological change that occurs in a species as it adapts to its environment |
| Natural Selection | driving force behind evolution by which the environment selects the fittest organism |
| Genotype | an organisms genetic makeup |
| Phenotype | an organisms observable, physical characteristics |
| DNA | a long complex molecule that encodes genetic characteristics. |
| Gene | segment of a chromosome that encodes the directions for the inherited physical and mental characteristics of an organism, these are the funtional units of a chromosome |
| Chromosome | tightly coiled, threadlike structure along with the genes are organized like beads on a necklace |
| Neuron | cells specialized to recieve and transmit information to other cells in the body. Also called a nerve cell |
| Sensory Neuron | nerve cell that carries messages from sense receptors toward the central nervous system. Also called an afferemt neuron |
| Motor Neuron | nerve cell that carries messages away from the central nervous system towards the muscles and glands; efferent neuron |
| Interneuron | a nerve cell that relays messages between nerve cells especially in the brain and spinal cord |
First Time Here?
Welcome to Quizlet, a fun, free place to study. Try these flashcards, find others to study, or make your own.