Small differences in the genomes of organisms can radically

Small differences in the genomes of organisms can radically alter anatomy......and even behaviour. This of course raises the age-old nature vs nurture debate. Is a person\'s development predisposed within their DNA or is the majority of the person influenced by life experiences and environment? Add your opinion to this Discussion post. You must write at least 2 complete paragraphs and defend your opinion with examples or outside facts.

Solution

The genes inherited by the offspring are known as its “genotype.” If environmental conditions support this genotype for its expression, then the resulting observable characters (height, colour of skin, hair, etc.) are said to be its phenotype.

It was also proven that the behavior is shaped by both the environment in which we live and the genetics. For example, if we grow up a tiger from its childhood with us, it does not attack or afraid of us unlike those that are grown up in the jungle, similarly the humans also. Our behavior partly depends on the environment, and these changes are said to be epigenetic changes, which alter the gene expression levels. Thus, both nature and nurture are important in shaping our behavior. The height of an individual is another example, it is partly determined by the availability of nutrition (an environmental control), and partly by the genes inherited from their parents (genetic control).