Which statement describes how genes influence behavior in the biological framework?

Which statement describes how genes influence behavior in the biological framework?

• A. Specific genes and combinations influence both physical and psychological traits, and beneficial genes are passed on
• B. Genes have no effect on behavior
• C. All behavior is learned from the environment
• D. Genes determine free will

Answer: (A)

In the biological framework, behavior is understood as arising from genetics shaping the brain and body, which in turn influence how we think, feel, and act. Specific genes and combinations can affect both physical traits (like brain structure and neural functioning) and psychological traits (such as temperament and cognitive tendencies). The idea that beneficial genes are passed on ties into natural selection: traits that improve survival and reproduction become more common in the population, so those genetic variants are more likely to appear in offspring. It’s also helpful to remember that many traits are polygenic and that the environment interacts with genes to shape actual behavior, so genes set possibilities rather than rigid destinies. The other views—people having no genetic influence, all behavior being environmental, or genes determining free will—ignore well-supported evidence that genetics contribute to behavioral tendencies.

In the biological framework, behavior is understood as arising from genetics shaping the brain and body, which in turn influence how we think, feel, and act. Specific genes and combinations can affect both physical traits (like brain structure and neural functioning) and psychological traits (such as temperament and cognitive tendencies). The idea that beneficial genes are passed on ties into natural selection: traits that improve survival and reproduction become more common in the population, so those genetic variants are more likely to appear in offspring. It’s also helpful to remember that many traits are polygenic and that the environment interacts with genes to shape actual behavior, so genes set possibilities rather than rigid destinies. The other views—people having no genetic influence, all behavior being environmental, or genes determining free will—ignore well-supported evidence that genetics contribute to behavioral tendencies.