12.) Discuss two effects of the environment on physiological processes
Intro - an excellent way to begin this essay is with the concept of neuroplasticity and the idea that the brain changes depending upon the things it encounters and such changes are shown in a change of behavior. You could also mention neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons.
Studies:
Significance: Stimulating environments affect growth of neurons
Significance: Hormones changed in mom were transported to the baby through the placenta, after which they gave messages to the genes (aka environment influences hormone fluctuations)
Studies:
- Kolb (1999) - Worked with rats and the affect of the environment on their neurons
Significance: Stimulating environments affect growth of neurons
- Kolb, Gibb, & Robinson (2004) - Placed pregnant rat mothers in enriched vs. standard environments
Significance: Hormones changed in mom were transported to the baby through the placenta, after which they gave messages to the genes (aka environment influences hormone fluctuations)
- Carreiras (Silbo Gomero) - whistling language (language affects brain activity/recognition)
- Hull & Vaid (2006) -> bilateralism and bilingualism over and below 6 years old (diff. languages affects brain activity)