It is truly quite interesting to contemplate how blue eyes became as prevalent as they appear today but nonetheless, before this blog, I had not put much thought into that question. The fact that it originated in the Black Sea region 10,000 years ago poses many further questions. I mean, if a mutated gene could cause such a common physical attribute in humans, what mutation is still to come that will change the look of humans in the future? I think this example of how one person's mutilated gene affected an unthinkable amount of individual's appearances further emphasizes the impact genes have on a person. In other words, his genes were passed down and inherited by generation after generation, which suggests the importance of nature in terms of nature versus nurture.
As for how genetics play into a person's behavioral side, as well as their mentality, I feel that it is pretty even with the environment so I would give genes' influence on behaviors a 50. Genes do play a huge role in the type of characteristics people possess and how they react to different types of situations. For instance, the way I react to emotional situations depends solely on my genes and how I handle my emotions. As an emotional person, no matter what environment I live in, I will never be able to control how my feelings react to situations that occur in my life. People are genetically prone to deal with things in their own ways and that is something that is hard for nurture to overcome.
The environment people live in, as well as the way people are brought up by their parents, also plays an enormous role in the way a person behaves and thinks about things, therefore, I also give nurture a 50. Certain characteristics people possess alter in time due to the way they live and the people they surround themselves with and while it may not permanently change a person, it can change their personality temporarily. For example, I may be born with traits that would lead me to be haughty and vain; however, if I am brought up amongst poverty, my environment will shape those traits as fit to my life. This illustrates how while genes can provide me with 50% of myself, the alteration from my environment will shape me the other 50%.
Does your past experiences not have an effect on how you react to decisions? I agree that there is a 50/50 split, but I must also add that each does not control 50%. On the contrary, I believe that every feeling, cognitive action, and thought are influenced by both nature and nature. I would also like to ponder the psychodynamic point of view on genetics.
ReplyDeleteDoes your past experiences not have an effect on how you react to decisions? I agree that there is a 50/50 split, but I must also add that each does not control 50%. On the contrary, I believe that every feeling, cognitive action, and thought are influenced by both nature and nature. I would also like to ponder the psychodynamic point of view on genetics.
ReplyDeleteCaroline,
ReplyDeleteI understand how genetics take over our instincts in handling situations emotionally. However, I how we were raised and influenced behaviorally affects how we handle the situation afterwards. Moreover, nature and nurture can coerce to evolve the behavioral aspects of society.