Introduction
The question of nature versus nurture in human evolution has been an ongoing debate among biologists and sociologists alike, as it has significant implications for our understanding of the history of human beings and the genetic profiles of certain groups of society. This essay will examine how this hypothesis has affected our knowledge of human evolution and how it has specifically affected the genetic makeup of diverse societal groups. This essay aims to provide an understanding of the role of nature and nurture in human evolution and its potential implications for particular social groups by examining the evidence put forth by both sides.
Literature review
Over the years, anthropologists have tried to figure out what has caused humans to evolve at such a startling rate compared to other animals like apes and gorillas, which have nearly identical behavioral traits. It is through this research and observations that two theories were initiated. Firstly the theory of nature suggests people behave as they do because they are animals who primarily act according to their instincts which are influenced by their genetic inheritance and other biological factors. On the other hand, the theory of nurture states that various human behaviors are based on genetics and an individual’s environment. Therefore, in this regard, it is clear that genetics form a crucial component in the existence of all living organisms, both in the past and present, to ensure that evolution occurs.
Nature refers to the genetic factors that influence human behavior and development. It is believed that certain traits, such as intelligence, personality, and physical characteristics, are determined by genetic factors. Studies have shown that genetics play a significant role in developing certain traits, such as height and eye color. Additionally, twin studies have shown that identical twins are more likely to share similar characteristics and behaviors than fraternal twins, indicating a strong genetic influence.
Nurture refers to the environmental factors that influence human behavior and development. It is believed that certain traits, such as intelligence, personality, and physical characteristics, are shaped by ecological factors, such as the child’s upbringing, education, and social environment. Studies have shown that environmental factors can significantly impact the development of specific traits, such as intelligence and personality. Additionally, studies have shown that children raised in different cultures and socioeconomic environments have other behaviors and traits.
Concerning evolution, the nature versus nurture debate in human development is complex and multidimensional. While genetics play a significant role in developing certain traits, environmental factors also play a critical role. Research suggests that genetic and environmental factors contribute to human behavior and trait development.
Research Methodology
Personal traits
In order to achieve our desired outcomes, several methods are applied to determine the impact of nature vs. nurture on human evolution, which entails several ways. Firstly, research has been conducted by some scientists to evaluate the effects of nature and nurture on the genetic traits of an underprivileged group to determine whether natural genetic features are ever-changing or are predetermined since birth. Nature was
Intelligence Quotient
To achieve our goal, the intelligence quotient was measured between identical twins and those who were fraternal. This was done by giving them an exam and recording the aggregate scores they each obtained individually. It was observed that identical twins showcased a higher intelligence quotient than fraternal twins as they not only got high scores but were almost similar. Another test was conducted on the IQ of privileged students or in a better environment, i.e., had access to better infrastructure than those who had none. It was observed that those who were well-privileged with better resources showcased higher IQs than their counterparts with few resources.
Sexual orientation
The research was done to see whether an individual orientation was impacted by their genetic makeup or was just influenced by their environment. Throughout this test, it was concluded that most individuals’ sexual orientation, whether homosexual or straight, was impacted mainly by nature compared to their environment or nurture.
Results
Personal traits
Through these studies, they acknowledged that the traditional understanding of the nature vs. nurture debate has been that the genetic traits of individuals are predetermined and unchangeable. However, their study found that the environment, or nurture, has a much more significant impact on the genetic characteristics of underprivileged groups than initially believed.
The authors found that environmental factors, such as poverty, directly impact individuals’ genetic makeup, leading to changes in their genetic traits. This suggests that the environment can be a powerful tool for influencing the genetic traits of individuals, even in cases where their genetic makeup is predetermined. As such, the authors conclude that nature and nurture both play an important role in determining the genetic traits of individuals and that to ensure a healthier and more equitable society, it is essential to take both into account. ((Collins et al., 2000, p. 218-232)
Intelligent Quotient
Throughout the years, researchers have identified that nature and nurture play a pivotal role in forming personal traits in human beings, whether in behavior or academic performance in learning institutions. To achieve desired results, research is primarily conducted on identical twins who tend to have similar traits to each other compared to adopted or fraternal twins. However, these same study designs allow for examining the environment and genes. Adoption studies also measure the strength of shared family effects directly. Identical twins share every gene, while fraternal twins share roughly half of their genes.
Given that identical and fraternal twins share the same environment, researchers were able to separate genetic and environmental factors, allowing them to reasonably attribute any IQ difference between identical and fraternal twins to DNA. Specific brain regions were discovered to be highly heritable by the researchers. It found a nearly similar correlation between identical twins’ IQ scores. While random pairs of people should not correlate, fraternal twins showed a degree of correlation between their IQ scores. It was, however, less similar than that of identical twins. This suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in intelligence development.
(“Genetic and environmental contributions to IQ in adoptive and biological families with 30-year-old offspring,” 2021).
Sexual orientation
According to most people, society plays a huge role in the sexual orientation of an individual, in contrast to the researchers who attribute this to an individual’s genetic makeup. Various explanations for why someone would be gay have been proposed. For much of the twentieth century, homosexuality was considered a mental illness. According to a recent Psychology Today article, the American Psychological Association did not wholly remove homosexuality from the DSM, a system of classification used to define mental disorders, until 1987. According to researchers, children are known to conform to their sexual orientation only after reaching a certain age. In this way, researchers have established that the environment plays little to no impact on whether a child’s sexual orientation is affected or not.
Conclusion
The nature versus nurture debate in human evolution is a complex and ongoing discussion. While genetics play a significant role in developing specific traits, environmental factors also play a critical role. Research suggests that genetic and environmental factors contribute to human behavior and trait development. The debate has implications for certain groups of society, and it is essential to consider the impact of genetic and environmental factors in understanding human behavior and development.
The nature versus nurture debate is highly relevant to how society defines and understands different groups. Human evolution and inheritance are complex topics, and knowing how all the varying factors shape each individual in play is essential. While the scientific community is still sorting out all the details, it is clear that genetics, environment, and individual choices strongly influence our lives and the lives of different people. This debate calls for more research to understand how genetics and environment function together to shape a person and how our beliefs and actions impact those around us.
References
Bailey, J. M., Vasey, P. L., Breedlove, L. M., Vilan, S. M., & Epprecht, E. (2016). Sexual orientation, controversy, and science. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 17(2), 45-101. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1529100616637616
Collins, W. A., Maccoby, E. E., Steinberg, L., Hetherington, E. M., & Bornstein, M. H. (2000). American Psychologist. Contemporary research on parenting: The case for nature and nurture, 55(2), 218–232. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.2.218
Genetic and environmental contributions to IQ in adoptive and biological families with 30-year-old offspring. (2021, September). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8513766/
Nature vs. nurture – The debate examined – Difference and comparison | Diffen. (n.d.). Diffen – Compare Anything. Diffen. Discern. Decide. https://www.diffen.com/difference/Nature_vs_Nurture
