How can genetics influence behavior?

Question

My AP Psychology teacher briefly touched on the fact that behavior can be influenced by genetics. This made me wonder.

I understand how genetics can influence physical characteristics, but how can it influence such abstract concepts like instinct and behavior?

In: Biology

Answer 1

There are many broad conclusions to be drawn from behavioural genetic research about the nature and origins of behaviour. Three major conclusions include:

1. all behavioural traits and disorders are influenced by genes;
2. environmental influences tend to make members of the same family more different, rather than more similar;
3. the influence of genes tends to increase in relative importance as individuals age.

In determining if a trait is related to genetic factors or environmental factors, twin studies and adoption studies are used.