Describe the difference between genotype and phenotype as an introduction to the notion that genes and environment interact to produce observable characteristics and developmental outcomes.
Describe the processes that lead to the transmission of genetic information, including conception, chromosomes, genes, and DNA. Define relevant terminology associated with each process (e.g., meiosis, mitosis, crossing over).
Describe the processes of inheritance for Mendelian characteristics, including sex-linked characteristics. Compare these "simple" patterns with complex gene interactions. Give examples of each type of genetic transmission.
Use the basic model of inheritance to explain how harmful alleles survive across generations.
Describe the effect of chromosomal abnormalities and give examples. Indicate how abnormalities contribute to evolution.
Describe the methods used for prenatal diagnosis and what can be learned from each one. Discuss ethical concerns regarding prenatal diagnosis including decisions facing parents in response to test results, the risks to pregnancy, and the risk of false positives.
Describe and discuss the roles of genetic counseling and methods of genetic engineering. Discuss the ethical issues related to genetic engineering.
Understand different conceptualizations of heredity-environment interactions (e.g., range of reaction, canalization) and heredity-environment correlations (passive, evocative, active).
Understand how the relationships between the environment and heredity might contribute to the overestimation of the role of genes and the underestimation of the role of environment for particular traits or characteristics.
Define the field of behavioral genetics and the heritability estimate and the research methodology used to estimate heritability (twin and adoption studies).
Explain shared and nonshared environments and the implications of these influences for heritability estimates.
Discuss research regarding individual differences in intellectual ability and temperament.
Understand the role of context and environment in observed individual differences in intellectual ability and temperament (e.g., cultural differences in temperament resulting from genetic vs. cultural differences in parenting).
