Every non-genetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us.
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.
The biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein.
The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes.
Twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms.
Twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment.
The effect of one factor (such as the environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity).
The subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes.
The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.
The principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those that lead to increased reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.
In psychology, the biologically and socially influenced characteristics by which people define male and female.
The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.
Giving priority to one's own goals over group coals and defining one's identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identification.
A set of expectations about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave.