What influences a person more - genes, environment or the interaction between the two - is a question that we have been trying to answer for a long time, and in many cases we are still quite far from the correct answer. For certain characteristics, we at least partially know where they come from and what influences them the most. In the article, you can read about the characteristics that are written in our genes.
Although in most cases our characteristics and traits are not influenced solely by genes or solely by the environment, we can at least to a certain extent measure which factor is more important in a certain period. Read the list 8 traits written in our genes.
Phobias
Fears can be passed down from generation to generation. This study proved this on a mouse model. Scientists trained mice to avoid the smell of cherries. The next generation of mice also showed a similar fear of the smell of cherries. This proves that traumatic events can affect the change in our genetic material, which is important information in the treatment of various phobias, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Extraversion
Behavioral genetics has established that personality traits are to some extent heritable. For example, the genes SDCD2 and PCDH15 are closely related to extraversion. You can read more about it in this study.
Sense of humor
To a certain extent, a sense of humor is probably a trait accumulated by our environment. However, it is this study showed that people who have a shorter allele on the HTTLPR gene laugh and smile more often.
Sensitivity to stress
Some people are more sensitive to stress, others less so. Of course, many factors influence this. One of them may be genetic material. Studies have found that there is a connection between the mother's stress level when she is pregnant and her child's sensitivity to stress.
Susceptibility to addiction
Behavioral genetics is found out, that some are more susceptible to developing addiction than others. However, this type of functioning is an interaction between the environment and genes - in a non-stressful environment, neither of the two individuals is likely to develop an addiction. In a highly stressful environment, however, those who are genetically predisposed to it will be more likely to become addicted.
Less need for sleep
There are people for whom 5 hours of sleep per night is adequate and sufficient. The gene Tyr362His or the Thatcher gene – named after Margaret Thatcher, who was known for only sleeping 4 hours a night – is responsible for this. You can read more about it at this link.
Thrift
About 30 % savings can be explained by genetic causes. She showed that this study, which found that some people are more inclined to save, regardless of their gender, education and level of monthly income.
READ MORE: When is the easiest time to learn a foreign language?
A talent for music
Genes play an important role in the talent for music - especially rhythm and melody. This twin study found that the twins who practiced more than 20,000 hours more than their siblings were not particularly better at playing the instrument.
