EDUC 201 – Child and Adolescent Development

Topics:
- Genes
- Environment
- Experimental Behavior Genetics
- Human Behavioral Genetics
Jonna Marie T. Ibuna
 Genes
• Sperm cell (father) + Egg cell/Ovum (mother) = Life begins

Germ cells 23 pairs or 46

Chromosomes
(carriers of heredity)

= Zygote (fertilized ovum)

(contains the full 23
chromosomes from mother and
23 chromosomes from father)
Genes
 Genes
When an ovum becomes fertilized, it multiplies by
division. In the process called mitosis,

Zygote - Divides into two daughter

cells, each of which is a
complete replica of the other.
This means that each daughter
cell has within it the
potentialities of becoming a
complete individual. These
individuals are known as
identical twins.
 Genes
Identical twins develop
from the same zygote and
therefore must be
genetically identical.

Fraternal twins develop

when the mother produces
two ovum and each is
fertilized (by two diff.
sperms).
 Genes
How to distinguish between fraternal and
identical twins
(Krech and Crutchfield, 1958)

1) The two children must have the same blood

type;
2) They must have the same eye coloring;
3) They must have the same hair color; and
4) They must have similar fingerprints.
 Genes
The inherited characteristics that are produced
by the genes are passed along from one
generation to another unchanged (with relatively
rare exceptions).

The “rare exceptions” occur when genes

themselves are changed through mutations
(chemical accident, genetic engineering, or
through stimulation by such radiant energies as
x-rays).
 Environment
Just as it is true that each zygote differs from
that of every zygote, so it is true that the
environment of each zygote differs from that of
every other zygotes. Environmental differences
among organisms become far more pronounced,
of course, after birth.
 Environment

Why are people so different?

It is because of the two factors – genes and
environment.

Nature or nurture? They are intertwined.

 Experimental Behavior Genetics

Selective breeding experiment – Tyron in 1927

Conclusion:
Behavior traits (and physical traits) can be
inherited.
 Human Behavioral Genetics

Family resemblances in traits and abilities have

been investigated.
(Continuation: Report of Ms. Cristine Hernandez)