To think that the color of one's eyes, other than brown is a gene mutation is completely fascinating. It's so cool to think that beauty marks, freckles, and blue eyes are all "flaws" in our genetic code, and these flaws are what we consider beautiful. It's actually a great topic for an inspirational speech about loving who you are, because its true! our flaws are what make us beautiful. They separate us from one another, making unique individuals.
Both genetics and our environment have an effect on our behavior and mental processes. Now although I believe the percentage difference varies on how much either genetics or our environment effects our mental processes and behavior, I've come to the conclusion that genetics always influences us the most at about 80% versus our environment, around 20%. I watched an interview on identical twins who were separated at birth and put up for adoption but then in their 30s reconnected. (on a side note, they were separated for a study on nature vs. nurture. At the time this was considered unethical but not illegal. Now, adoption agencies require siblings to stay together) Even though they grew up in completely different environments, they both dealt with depression at the same time in their lives, they were both editors of their high school newspaper and they both went to film school. Not only that but they also share a lot of the same mannerisms! When it comes to environmental influences, relationships we have and events we experiences can drastically change our path in life, but they don't determine our behavior and mental processes. For example, conformity. By conforming, you are behaving in a way to abide by the rules. But you aren't changing your mental processes, you are just acting. This behavior might show someones innate characteristic of following a group, rather than leading. Which might have to do with natural selection and survival skills. This persons tendency to confirm might have to do with their inability to lead because they are less aggressive or ambitious. (Now I am just starting to ramble) OK. To (somehow) bring it all together, we are all on a journey and the obstacles along the way are the environmental factors which challenge our mental person, bringing out who we really are which is in our genetics.
I thoroughly agree with such a fascination. Also the topic of the identical twins growing up separately and living the way they did and making the choices they did is incredible providing they weren't ever together until 30 years later.
ReplyDeleteI would like to use your post to inform the world of my knowledge of epigenetics. Epigenetics is the idea that enviromental influences can turn on and off genes. This allows DNA to code for exponentially more information, but also suggests that both nature and nurture work together to create the traits of a person. I would like to take a closer look at your study and see how different the lives and environments of the twins were. Obviously both went to schools with similar setups, but what if we sent one newborn twin to a tribe in the middle of the Savanna and put the other one with a family in downtown Hong Kong.
ReplyDeleteJulia,
DeleteAlex acknowledges an interesting point in your case study. The possible similarities in the environments the twins experienced and the commonality of such cases happening raises a possible red flag for me. Genetics may have its heavy influence, but today's every-changing environment opens the world to a realm of infinite possibilities.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteReading your post was interesting, especially the large porion about the twins. Although I disagree with your 80/20 rationale, I understood your view and found it very intriguing that twins, who have such different environments, could be so similar.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your stance of 80/20. Although ones environment has an impact on them, the main thing that determines our behaviors and mental processes is our genetic makeup. The story about the separated twins I found very intriguing and added well to your argument.