Heredity and Behavior Genetics

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Hi,

The nature-nurture controversy is an interesting one and one that is still hotly debated. Lets' take a closer look at each question through discussion and example.

RESPONSE:

1. Discuss the concepts of heredity and behavior genetics as described in your text.

Genes are the segments of DNA that function as hereditary units that correlate with behaviour. Some genetic scientists think that people inherit behavior through their genes. People behave as they do according to heredity - genetic predispositions, or even "animal instincts." This is known as the "nature" theory of human behavior. Conversely, other 'behavioral' scientists believe that people think and behave in certain ways because they are taught to do so. This is known as the "nurture" theory of human behavior. Most scientist, however, argue that that both sides are partly right. Nature endows us with inborn abilities and traits; nurture takes these genetic tendencies and molds them as we learn and mature. However, the debate is still ongoing.

The proponents of the nature theory (heredity) have known for years that traits such as eye color and hair color are determined by specific genes encoded in each human cell. Do you have the same color eyes as your mother or father, or your siblings or cousins? How about the color of your hair? There is a general consensus that eye color and hair color are heredity, meaning that they are determined by genes and encoded in an your DNA. However, the nature theory takes things a step further, and argues that more abstract traits such as intelligence, personality, aggression, and sexual orientation are also encoded in an individual's DNA. This is still hotly debated. ...