Biological Bases of Behavior
Lily Scott
4 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Psychology study guide covers the biological bases of behavior, focusing on how biological systems (nervous, endocrine) influence thoughts, feelings, and actions. Key topics include: heredity (genes, chromosomes, mutations), evolutionary psychology (natural selection, adaptation), the interaction of nature and nurture, and the impact of neurotransmitters and drugs on behavior.
AP Psychology: Biological Bases of Behavior - Your Ultimate Study Guide 🚀
Hey there, future AP Psych superstar! This guide is designed to be your best friend as you gear up for the exam. We're going to break down the Biological Bases of Behavior unit in a way that's not just easy to understand, but also super engaging. Let's dive in!
🧠 Unit Overview: Why Biology Matters
This unit is all about how your body—your brain, your genes, your hormones—influences your behavior and mental processes. Think of it as the hardware that runs your psychological software. We'll explore everything from the tiny neurons firing in your brain to the big picture of how our bodies have evolved. Remember, this unit accounts for 8-10% of your AP exam, so it's crucial to nail down these concepts!
🎯 Key Questions to Keep in Mind
- How do our biological systems (nervous, endocrine) shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions?
- What happens when neurotransmitters go haywire, and how do drugs affect this balance?
- How do nature (genes) and nurture (environment) interact to make us who we are?
🧬 Biological Building Blocks: Genes, Evolution, and Behavior
🧬 Heredity and Genes
- Chromosomes: Thread-like structures made of DNA that contain our genes. Think of them as the instruction manuals for building you.
- Genes: Specific segments of DNA that code for particular traits. They're like the individual words in the instruction manual.
- Mutations: Random changes in genes that can lead to new traits. It's like a typo in the instruction manual that can sometimes be beneficial.
- Natural Selection: The process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on to future generations. It's the reason why we have the traits we do today.
Key Point: Genes don't directly cause behavior, but they create predispositions. It's the interaction with the environment that really shapes how these predispositions play out.
Remember Heredity, Environment, Behavior by thinking HEB (like the grocery store)
### 💡 Evolutionary Psychology
- Charles Darwin: The OG of evolution. His theory of natural selection explains how species adapt over time.
- Adaptation: How traits evolve to help organisms survive. Think of the finches' beaks on the Galapagos Islands.
- Survival of the Fittest: Not about being the strongest, but about being the best suited to your environment.
Practice Question
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Question 1 of 8
What are the thread-like structures made of DNA that contain our genes? 🧬
Genes
Mutations
Chromosomes
Traits