Glossary A

Autoplastic adaptation refers to that form of adjustment which results from changes within an individual.

Autopoietic system refers to autonomous, self -producing systems with self-defined boundaries.

Autoreceptor refers to presynaptic receptor that is stimulated by the neurotransmitter released by the presynaptic cell itself, feeding back to decrease further release of the transmitter

Autoregulation refers to mechanism by which an organ regulates blood flow to match the metabolic rate.

Autoshaping refer to responses that are learned in experimental situations even though they are not necessary to obtain reinforcement. Autoshaped behaviors, like pecking in pigeons usually appear to be part of the organism’s repertoire of "natural” behaviors. A type of sign tracking in which a pigeon comes to automatically peck at a response key because the key light has been associated with the response-independent delivery of food is an example of Autoshaping.

Autosomal being or pertaining to a chromosome other than a sex chromosome.

Autosomal dominant pattern refers to a type of genetic transmission in which only one gene from one parent is necessary for a person to acquire a trait or a disease.

Autosomal gene refers to a gene on any of the chromosomes other than the sex chromosomes (X and Y).