Question

General Instructions This essay should be 400-500 words in length. You must use correct spelling and proper mechanics. You must include citations and a reference list for any resources used at the end of this essay. It is expected that you will use one to two references for this essay topic. Essay #2 Studies of identical and fraternal twins have yielded some very interesting information on the genetic basis of behavioral traits. Read both of the following articles from the web, and then complete the assignment below. · Do our genes make us popular? From Scientific American http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/popularity-genes/ · Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart, from the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research http://mctfr.psych.umn.edu/research/UM%20research.html Address the following questions in your essay: · What is most striking to you in the results presented in the two articles? · In the article on popularity, do you agree with the conclusion that there is a genetic basis to how popular people are? Explain why or why not. · In the twin studies, do you think that the behavioral similarities in identical twins raised apart from birth (like “the Jim Twins”) are due to inheritance? Explain why or why not. · Conclude by stating whether or not these two articles have changed the way that you think about genetics, and explain your answer.

Answer 1

In this study it is found that genes play a very important role in developing personality and other behavioural aspects. In both the studies it was majorly upon twin and it was identification of the elements that give a certain streak of personality. Hence, it was found that in both the articles there was prominence given to the role of genes and genetic heritability that shapes up the behaviour. Yes, there is genetic basis or genes which influence the behavioural similarities in identical twins. No matter even if they are kept apart they have striking similarity which they continue to keep all their life.

In this bizarre case of Minnesota Center for Twin, it was found that Jim Twins were separated after 4 months of their birth. This means they moved to their respective families and were grown up differently. Despite everything, it was found that the co-twins who are grown up in separate homes have full chance of being similar and this is due to the gene inherited by them. The only difference in behaviour seen in both the twins was due to the different environment each of them was brought up at. The similarity in them is not due to the environment but it is purely due to genetic reasons.

The Jim Twins is classic example of how striking similar each of them is in their behaviour and vibes. The twins were adopted by different families after four weeks of their birth and grown up in different set of environment. Both the twins were married, divorced once and has striking similarities like being poor in spelling, doing well in maths, loved carpentry, mechanical drawing, suffered from tension headaches at age of 18 along with gaining 10 pounds with height of 6 feet. With so many similarities it is evident that gene plays an important role in imparting them liking for the same thing.

Genetics have been always about genes and the characteristics imparted by them. Both the articles majorly highlighted on how genes play a very important role in twin studies. It indeed is unique to find out that genes play a very important role in determining the size of a person’s social network. It helps in determining how social behaviour is also something that is influenced by genetics. It is found that genes are somewhat important determining factor in understanding its impact on development of behavioural aspects in twins.