Genetics have a major influence on your behaviour. A massive meta-analysis of twins by Polderman et al. found that your intelligence has a heritability of 82% and your personality traits have a 50% heritability! Though this may seem like “genetics are destiny” it is important to remember that the remaining percent is from environmental factors.
The Learning Outcomes for this Sub Unit of the Biological Level of Analysis are:
- Genes and their effects on behaviour: Study one gene and its link to behaviour.
- Genetic similarity: Study genetic similarity (twins, siblings, parents, adopted children) for one behaviour.
- Evolutionary explanation for behaviour: Study one example of an evolutionary explanation for behaviour.
- Study the following
- Twin and kinship studies
Use this “Study Guide” to help guide you through this unit: Genetics and Behaviour study guide