Gene-Environment Correlations Overview

Questions and Answers

What are the ways to explain gene-environment correlations?

Passive (correct)

Reflective

Active (correct)

Evocative (correct)

What is the definition of Gene-Environment Correlations?

Gene-Environment Correlations refer to the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in determining who we become.

What is Passive Gene-Environment Correlations?

An association exists between a person's genetic makeup and the environment in which they are raised.

What happens in Evocative Gene-Environment Correlations?

An individual's behavior evokes an environmental response. Signup and view all the answers

What is Active Gene-Environment Correlations?

A person's genetic makeup may lead them to select particular environments. Signup and view all the answers

The phenotypes of identical twins tend to diverge as they age.

True Signup and view all the answers

The parent's genotypes will influence the environment they create for their children.

True Signup and view all the answers

What type of studies can separate the influences of environment from the influences of genes?

Adoption studies Signup and view all the answers

What does the range of reaction assert?

Our genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, and our environment interacts with the genes to determine where in that range we will fall. Signup and view all the answers

What are genes associated with besides physical traits?

Temperament and psychological disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following statistics regarding adoptees and schizophrenia:

High genetic risk & disturbed environment = 36.8% likely to develop schizophrenia High genetic risk & healthy environment = 5.8% likely to develop schizophrenia Low genetic risk & disturbed environment = 5.3% likely to develop schizophrenia Low genetic risk & healthy environment = 4.8% likely to develop schizophrenia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gene-Environment Correlations

Gene-environment correlations (rGE) emphasize the interplay between genetics and environmental influences in shaping individuals.
Three forms of rGE: passive, evocative, and active correlations.

Passive Gene-Environment Correlations

Children inherit genotypes from parents that influence the environment in which they are raised.
Parents with shared genetic traits (e.g., tall and athletic) are likely to create environments promoting sports, which enhances the child's genetic tendencies.

Evocative Gene-Environment Correlations

Individuals' heritable behaviors elicit responses from their environment.
A child with a tall athletic build may receive encouragement and opportunities in sports, reinforcing genetic predispositions.

Active Gene-Environment Correlations

Individuals select environments that align with their genetic make-up.
For instance, a child genetically predisposed to athleticism may actively pursue sports, reinforcing their genetic advantages.

Genetic Influence on Phenotypes

The phenotypes of identical twins diverge with age, illustrating that environmental factors play a significant role despite shared genetics.
Parental genotypes affect the environments they create for their children, further linking genes to behavioral outcomes.

Studying Genetic and Environmental Influences

Adoption studies allow the disentangling of genetic and environmental influences on behavior and mental health.

Range of Reaction

The range of reaction theory posits that genes establish limits for potential development while environmental factors determine where an individual falls within those limits.

Genetic Links to Mental Health

Genes significantly impact temperament and various psychological disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia.
Genetic factors alongside environmental experiences shape behavior and mental health outcomes.

Study on Schizophrenia in Adoptees

Adoptees from high genetic risk (mother with schizophrenia) raised in disturbed environments showed a 36.8% likelihood of developing schizophrenia.
In contrast, those raised in healthy environments had a significantly lower risk of 5.8%.
Adoptees with low genetic risk from disturbed environments faced a 5.3% likelihood, dropping to 4.8% in healthy environments, indicating the strong influence of both genetics and environment.

Description

This quiz explores the concept of gene-environment correlations (rGE) and their impact on individuals. It covers the three forms of rGE: passive, evocative, and active correlations, highlighting how genetics and environment interact to shape behaviors and traits. Test your understanding of these key concepts in genetics and environmental influences.