Chapter 2 Reflection

   Chapter two wasn't really what I had hoped for; I feel fairly indifferent about it. On the other hand, it did seem to provide clear insight into material that may be presented during biology 12 this year. It also held some review information on genetics and the evolutionary theory that some of us have learned from last year's biology course. I, as well as several others, now know how the brain function varies with it’s specific layout. Don’t damage your medulla, you’ll die! If you wear helmet everywhere, you're pretty much set for life. Inherited genes, however, are unavoidable.
   I believe that this unit would have been more interesting if aspects of psychopathy/sociology were to be incorporated. I remember reading “The Iceman,” a couple years back. It recounted the real-life story of Richard Kuklinski, a sociopath , who worked for the  Gambino crime family. If you don’t know who he is, or would like to familiarize yourself with him, watch the link below.

 Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv4c3flhSaU&feature=related

Psychopath:” a person afflicted with a personality disorder characterized by a tendency to commit antisocial and sometimes violent acts and a failure to feel guilt for such acts. Though lacking empathy and emotional depth, they often manage to pass themselves off as normal people by feigning emotions and lying about their pasts.”

The bigger image is:  brain chemistry differences /geneti cs à psychopathy?

   Some neurological connections have been made to psychopathy although it is more commonly related to bad parenting skills.

 e.g. dysfunction in:

- the amygdala –  which are associated with emotions, fear and aggression

- orbitofrontal cortex - region which deals with decision making.

- dopamine (neurotransmitter) levels in the brain -regulate movement and emotional response, reward ad pleasure. 

resources : 

http://jennifercopley.suite101.com/causes-of-psychopathy-a62417

http://livingamongpredators.over-blog.com/article-35527842.html