Is it true that height is mostly influenced by the environment?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the factors that influence a person's height, specifically whether environmental factors play a significant role compared to genetic factors.
Answer
Height is mainly influenced by genetics, with a smaller environmental impact.
Height is primarily influenced by genetic factors, but environmental factors such as nutrition also play a significant role. Genetics determines the potential height, while the environment influences whether that potential is fully reached.
Answer for screen readers
Height is primarily influenced by genetic factors, but environmental factors such as nutrition also play a significant role. Genetics determines the potential height, while the environment influences whether that potential is fully reached.
More Information
Genetic factors account for a major part (about 80%) of height determination. Environmental influences, such as adequate nutrition during childhood, can enable someone to reach their genetic height potential. Lack of nutrition and other environmental challenges can prevent reaching this potential.
Tips
People often overlook the significant impact of nutrition and health during childhood on final height, even though genetics plays the primary role.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Understanding Height - medlineplus.gov
- Genetic and environmental influences on height from infancy - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- There's More to Height Than Just Our Genes - sciencealert.com
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