BIOPSYCHOLOGY INTRO

Def: studies interaction of biology, behavior, &

the environment

NERVOUS AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS

work together to produce all human action

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: system of ductless glands that regulate body functions through hormones secreted into bloodstream

Consists of hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands, & gonads (ovaries & testes)

NATURAL SELECTION

Charles Darwin

driving force behind evolution

animals specifically choose mates & produce offspring that will survive environmental conditions…rest will die off

PHENOTYPE VS. GENOTYPE

PHENOTYPE observable physical characteristics inherited by parents (eye color, hair color, height, etc.)

GENOTYPE: Your unique combination of genes (aka: genetic makeup) and the environment you grew up in

GENETIC MUTATIONS

Genes MUTATE to aid survival, BUT also produce troublesome traits (i.e. mental retardation, depression, etc)