Hereditary and Hormones
BEH/225
Cassandra Chrivia
October 16, 2008
All behavior originates from the brain. Our face, physical structure, our heart and other internal organs, with have differences based on heredity. So your brain has the same purpose and function, but it is somewhat unique in its capability. Some of the functions of your brain is inherited from your parents genes, so it has an influence on what you can do with it. Beyond that, through learning you load tons of data throughout your life, as well as powerful mental programs that process what you learn on a daily basis. For some, chemical in-balances also play a large role in how you behave. For example, people with bi-polar disorder can go from being too happy with loads of energy to depressed and angry within seconds. Medication is usually used to control this disorder.
Hormones are secreted by glands, which are controlled by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. This is how the brain controls and maintains body functions, including the visceral and other physical responses we know as emotion. Emotion, of course, is a major component in human behavior, along with several other thought processes, such as memory, intuition, judgment, imagination, etc. Heredity, of course, plays a part in setting up the structures involved in hormone secretion. Heredity plays a major role in how well your body performs these functions, which influence behavior.
The difference is that hereditary traits and behaviors cannot be changed. Your hormone levels however can, your hormones change due to diet, activity, mood, and in women pregnancy can severely alter your hormone level. These changes can make you happy, depressed, or send you into a violent rage. With men it is the same with testosterone levels. Hormones can severely change your behaviors and actions. You can also take medication to level out your hormone levels.
Evolutionary psychologists argue that much of human behavior is generated by...