he features that are actually expressed.

sum total of all the genes a person inherits

Data on genetic variation can improve our understanding of differential risk for disease and reactions to medical treatments, such as drugs.

sex chromosomes, may differ in length.

22 pairs are similar in length.

Mitosis vs. meiosis.

sperm and egg possesses only 23 chromosomes

he gamete's chromosomes duplicate and then divide twice, resulting in four cells each containing only half the genetic material of the original gamete.

the cell's nucleus making an exact copy of all the chromosomes and splitting into two new cells.

23 pairs; one from each parent) in the nucleus of the cells.

estimated 20,500 genes for humans

thinking of a child's mind as a tabula rasa or blank slate

he belief that a tiny, fully formed human is implanted in the sperm or egg at conception and then grows in size until birth, was the predominant early theory.

This debate continues in all aspects of human development, and most scholars agree that there is a constant interplay between the two forces.

risks of diseases such as, arteriosclerosis, cancer, and cerebral vascular disease increases substantially.

The young-old who are from 65-84 years and the oldest-old who are 85 years and older.

aging becomes more noticeable and when many people are at their peak of productivity in love and work.

Intimate relationships, establishing families, and work are primary concerns at this stage of life.

Continued identity exploration and preparation for full independence from parents are demonstrated.

emerging adults are most at risk for involvement in violent crimes and substance abuse.

dramatic physical change marked by an overall growth spurt and sexual maturation, known as puberty

adolescents have a sense of invincibility that puts them at greater risk of dying

he world becomes one of learning and testing new academic skills and by assessing one's abilities and accomplishments by making comparisons between self and others.

two- to six-year-old, the child is busy learning language, is gaining a sense of self and greater independence, and is beginning to learn the workings of the physical world.

A newborn, with a keen sense of hearing but very poor vision, is transformed into a walking, talking toddler within a relatively short period of time.

nutrition, teratogens, or environmental factors that can lead to birth defects, and labor and delivery are primary concerns.

the age at which people are moving away from the home of their parents, starting their careers, getting married or having children, or even whether they get married or have children at all, is changing.

Our culture often reminds us whether we are "on target" or "off target" for reaching certain social milestones, such as completing our education, moving away from home, having children, or retiring from work.

we may be more or less adaptive and excited to meet new challenges.

our cognitive capacity, along with our emotional beliefs about how old we are.

how quickly the body is aging

the predicted number of years a person born in a particular time period can reasonably expect to live

the grey wolf can live up to 20 years in captivity, the bald eagle up to 50 years, and the Galapagos tortoise over 150 years

nderstanding development requires being able to identify which features of development are culturally based

Culture is the totality of our shared language, knowledge, material objects, and behavior.

fear

Poverty is associated with poorer health and a lower life expectancy due to poorer diet, less healthcare, greater stress, working in more dangerous occupations, higher infant mortality rates, poorer prenatal care, greater iron deficiencies, greater difficulty in school, and many other problems.

These occupations are also more subject to job disruptions, including lay-offs and lower wages.

All of us born into a class system are socially located, and we may move up or down depending on a combination of both socially and individually created limits and opportunities.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a way to identify families and households based on their shared levels of education, income, and occupation.

Non-normative life influences

group of people who are born at roughly the same period in a particular society.

specific age-grade share particular experiences and developmental changes

three specific contextual influences.

Plasticity is all about our ability to change and that many of our characteristics are malleable.

vast topic of study that it requires the theories, research methods, and knowledge base of many academic disciplines.

We may show gains in some areas of development, while showing losses in other areas.

No single age period is more crucial, characterizes, or dominates human development.