Chapter 4:

Genetics and Evolution

 A Theory of Evolution

Charles Darwin

Natural Selection
 Evolution of Modern Humans

• Modern humans are relatively recent in geological

record
– Substantial physiological and cognitive changes
compared to earlier species

First human-like brain: Modern Humans:

7 million years 200,000 years
 Evolution of Modern Humans

• Adaptations to a changing environment

Bipedalism

Change Smaller Facial

in Diet Muscles & Teeth
 Evolution of Modern Humans

Smaller Facial Greater range of

Muscles & Language
vocalization
Teeth
 Evolution of Modern Humans

• Toolmaking
• Hunting and cooking
• Social Organization
 Evolution of Modern Humans

• From early to modern humans, brain size and

cognitive ability increases
 Genetics

• Every cell in an organism’s body contains the genetic

blueprint for that organism
 Genes and Behavior

Genes Proteins Expression

– Genotype
– Phenotype
A T

C G
 Genes to Proteins

• The sequence of bases in a gene determine which

amino acids are used to build the specified protein
• Sequences of bases code for specific amino acids

Bases

Amino acids

Proteins
 Amino Acids to Proteins

• Amino acids
– Linked together by a peptide bond
– A polypeptide amino acid chain forms a protein
– Proteins are required to maintain cell function
• Proteins typically degrade within days
DNA mRNA Amino acid
Transcription Translation chain

Endoplasmic
Reticulum

Ribosome

Codon
U = Uracil
 Studying Genetics

• Molecular genetics
• Behavioral genetics
 Transgenic Techniques
• Introduce or remove genes of an embryo
– Knock-in/knock out
– Examples
• Fur color in mice
• Genes for genetic
disorders
 Animal Models for Human Disorders

The mammalian brain is

structurally similar across
species

Animal models used to

mimic human diseases
such as Alzheimer’s and
Parkinson’s

Rat Human
 Selective Breeding
• “Maze Bright” and “Maze Dull” rats were selectively
bred and tested
 Genetic Mutation

• According to strict Darwinian evolution the source

of species variation is random genetic mutation
• Natural selection of traits that increase fitness
• Example: Galapagos finches
 Influence of Environment

• Example: Parental Care

 The Human Genome Project

• Completed in 2003
• Human genetic code contains less than 30,000
genes
 Identical Twins

• Monozygotic
• Share the same genetic code
 Fraternal Twins

• Dizygotic
• Have different genetic code
 Behavioral Genetics

• Comparison of fraternal and identical twins can

determine the degree of genetic influence on
different diseases and disorders
 Behavioral Genetics

• Identical twins raised apart share many of the same

physical and personality traits
• Minnesota Twin Study
 Behavioral Genetics

• Behavioral genetics are used to study genetic

influence on a host of different behaviors

Learning Disabilities Mental Disorders

Behavioral Genetics

Heritability Coefficient
Genetics of Physical Traits
 Genes and Environment

• Why do some people excel at different tasks than

other people?
• What is the source of species variation in
humans?
 Epigenetics

• Genes can explain variation between certain traits

and behaviors but not all
– A powerful source of individual differences
involves the interaction with environment
 Epigenetics

• Epigenetic drift
Epigenetic Mechanisms

Histone
Modification

DNA Modification

mRNA Modification
 Epigenetics

• Most profound epigenetic influences occur early

in development
 Epigenetics

• The epigenome represents a record of the chemical

changes to genetic code
– Can be passed down to subsequent generations
 Evolutionary Adaptations

• Survival Adaptation
 Evolutionary Adaptations
• Reproduction Adaptation
 Sexual Selection Theory

• Intrasexual competition
• Intersexual competition
 Sexual Selection Theory

• Intersexual selection

Odd Bird Seduction Techniques | Life Story | BBC Earth - YouTube

The Bowerbird's Grand Performance! | Life Story | BBC Earth - YouTube

 Evolutionary Psychology

• Natural selection as it relates to human behavior

and human fitness
• Sexual selection strategies
• Cognitive abilities
 Evolutionary Psychology

• Focuses on the evolution of human thoughts and

behavior that persists through generations

Risk-Taking Jealousy
 Sexual Strategies Theory

• Long-term mating strategy for males and females