Who is intelligence inherited from

Recent studies of hundreds of thousands of individuals have found genes that explain about 5 percent of the differences among people in intelligence. This is a good start, but it is still a long way from 50 percent. Another particularly interesting recent finding is that the genetic influence on measured intelligence appears to increase over time, from about 20 percent in infancy to 40 percent in childhood to 60 percent in adulthood.

One possible explanation may be that children seek experiences that correlate with, and so fully develop, their genetic propensities. The ability to predict cognitive potential from DNA could prove tremendously useful. Scientists might use DNA to try to map out the developmental pathways linking genes, intelligence, the brain and the mind.

In terms of practical implications, we have known for decades about hundreds of rare single-gene and chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome, that result in intellectual disability.

Finding additional genes that contribute to intellectual disability could help us perhaps prevent or at least ameliorate these cognitive challenges. Do you have a question about the brain you would like an expert to answer? Send it to MindEditors sciam. The "story" traces from what appears to be a translated post at Psychology Spot to Good Housekeeping to Cosmopolitan to Second Nexus, which cites Psychology Spot and Cosmo as its sources and then ships straight to you by way of Facebook.

That Psychology Spot post alone appears to have had 2. The explanation for the virality despite the hot mess and inaccuracies? Those headlines. The only thing that truly makes sense here is that every single one of these posts uses an image of a little girl in giant glasses and adds a similar headline, one designed to get at that enormous ready-made audience:.

Yet the claims in those headlines--and the articles that follow--are just rubbish, and pretty obviously so. Which just goes to show that no matter how smart we are or where we got those smarts, confirmation bias will be what makes us click This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Forbes. Jul 31, , am EDT. Jul 24, , pm EDT. Jul 10, , am EDT. Jul 9, , am EDT. Jul 7, , pm EDT.

Many of these studies have focused on similarities and differences in IQ within families, particularly looking at adopted children and twins. These studies suggest that genetic factors underlie about 50 percent of the difference in intelligence among individuals. Other studies have examined variations across the entire genomes of many people an approach called genome-wide association studies or GWAS to determine whether any specific areas of the genome are associated with IQ.

These studies have not conclusively identified any genes that have major roles in differences in intelligence. Intelligence is also strongly influenced by the environment. It is clear that both environmental and genetic factors play a part in determining intelligence. Deary IJ. Curr Biol. PubMed: Genetic foundations of human intelligence.

Hum Genet. When it comes to mental ability, environmental factors have the highest influence during childhood. That's why it's so important to promote equity for children. Elisa is a well-known parenting writer. She is an expert on child behavior and certified in Positive Discipline.

Elisa Cinelli. A genetics expert breaks down whether intelligence or cognition comes from genetic influence or other factors like socioeconomic status, and how these factors work together as determinants of general cognitive ability. What is Intelligence? How is Intelligence Measured? Is There an Intelligence Gene? Is Intelligence Inherited? I Got It From My Mama Genes controlling cognition are more likely inherited from the mother than from the father, according to studies in genomics.

Race and Intelligence Genetic research maintains that there is no correlation between race and general cognitive ability. Environmental Factors and Intelligence Genetics plays a role in how a person performs on intelligence tests, but there are also environmental predictors and determinants. Elisa Cinelli Elisa is a well-known parenting writer.

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