Trait Shuffle - Learn.Genetics.utah.edu

Is this trait due to mostly genes, mostly environment, or mostly a combination of both?

• Mostly genes

• Mostly environment

• Both

Answer explanation

Some birds sing complex and melodic songs, usually during certain times of the year, to attract mates or mark their territory. Songs are different from calls—simpler sounds that are used year-round.

The contributions that genes and the environment make to birdsong can differ depending on the species. But usually it’s the product of both. Songbirds have certain gene variations that give them a drive and ability to sing.

To sing properly, most species must learn from other birds—though, interestingly, young birds are genetically programmed to be influenced by the songs of their own species!

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Is this trait due to mostly genes, mostly environment, or mostly a combination of both?

• Mostly genes

• Mostly environment

• Both

Answer explanation

When sea turtles hatch on the seashore, they dig their way out of the sand and quickly scramble to the ocean. They don’t have to be taught. Their visual systems—which are built by genes—are highly attuned to the important cues that will help get them there. They aim the turtles downslope and draw them to the light from the stars and the moon that’s reflected off the water.

Factors from the environment don’t do much to shape this process, but they can disrupt it. For example, artificial light from cities can disorient baby turtles and draw them away from the ocean.

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Is this trait due to mostly genes, mostly environment, or mostly a combination of both?

• Mostly genes

• Mostly environment

• Both

Answer explanation

No one is born knowing how to do math. Like many skills, the most important factors for mathematical ability are learning and practice. And practically everyone has the ability to learn.

But differences in brain anatomy may influence how easy or hard it is for you to learn. So genes appear to have a role, too.

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Is this trait due to mostly genes, mostly environment, or mostly a combination of both?

• Mostly genes

• Mostly environment

• Both

Answer explanation

The size of your feet is largely controlled by genes, but not completely. Identical twins can have different sized feet. It’s likely several environmental factors, such as nutrition, play a role.

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Is this trait due to mostly genes, mostly environment, or mostly a combination of both?

• Mostly genes

• Both

• Mostly environment

Answer explanation

Typical red-green colorblindness is caused by a variation in a single gene. A person needs at least one working copy to see red and green. It codes for a protein in the eye that detects certain colors (or wavelengths) of light.

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Is this trait due to mostly genes, mostly environment, or mostly a combination of both?

• Mostly genes

• Both

• Mostly environment

Answer explanation

Being good at volleyball (and other athletic abilities too) comes mainly from learning and practice.

But variations in genes—like those that influence height or muscle fiber type—can make it easier or harder.

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Is this trait due to mostly genes, mostly environment, or mostly a combination of both?

• Mostly genes

• Both

• Mostly environment

Answer explanation

Developmental environment matters a lot. You learn the language(s) spoken around you. And most people have a hard time speaking a language accent-free if they learn it after puberty.

That said, genes also play a role. They influence the brain function and muscle control that give you the ability to speak.

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Is this trait due to mostly genes, mostly environment, or mostly a combination of both?

• Mostly genes

• Both

• Mostly environment

Answer explanation

Handedness has a strong genetic component, so it does run in families. But it’s complex. It is influenced by many genes—at least 30 and as many as 100. Each one has a small effect, often on how the brain develops.

Environment plays a role too. Some individuals and cultures actively discourage children from being left-handed. And it is possible to “train” children who would naturally be left-handed to use their right hand instead.

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Is this trait due to mostly genes, mostly environment, or mostly a combination of both?

• Mostly genes

• Both

• Mostly environment

Answer explanation

This is a skill that you learn, not something you inherit through genes.

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Is this trait due to mostly genes, mostly environment, or mostly a combination of both?

• Mostly genes

• Both

• Mostly environment

Answer explanation

Hair texture is influenced mostly by genes we inherit from our biological parents. Multiple genes are involved; the ones that influence the shape of a person’s hair follicle have the biggest effects.

Some people use heat or chemicals to straighten their hair or add more curl, but it’s a temporary change.

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