1.2 2007PSY

• Theory of Evolution


  All of the features an organism are there because they have a functional significance
• Evolution is


  The gradual change in the structure and physiology of plant and animal species—generally producing more complex organisms—as a result of natural selection.
• Functionalism in the theory of evolution


  Under the principle that the best way to understand a biological phenomenon is to try to understand its useful functions for the organism
• Organisms have cells which contain

  Chromosomes
• Chromosomes contain

  Genes (The blueprint of an organism)
• Genes contain

  Instructions for producing proteins that assist cellular functioning
• Alleles

  Pairs of genes in a chromosome - each pair is one version of a gene inherited from the mother, and one from the father.
• Selective advantage means

  Mutations that are beneficial, making it more likely the offspring survives.
• How much of our body weight is in the brain?

  2.3%
• In terms of body-weight ratio, the brain of what is bigger than a humans?

  Shrew
• What matters when it comes to the brain?

  Lots of neurons
• Neoteny


  A slowing of the process of maturation, allowing more time for growth
• mutations


  random changes in the genetic infomraitno contained in the chromosomes of sperm or eggs that can be passed to offspring and increased genetic variablity