Which statement best describes a valid gene-environment interaction?
A) Mice reared by mothers of different strains always display the same exploratory behavior.
B) Chimps raised in an impoverished environment were just as good at navigating mazes as chimps raised in an enriched environment.
C) Identical twins adopted by different families often display many behaviors typical of their adoptive family.
D) Rhesus monkeys reared in captivity often display the same level of anxious behavior as rhesus monkeys reared in the wild.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A valid gene-environment interaction occurs when the effect of a gene on a particular trait or behavior depends on the specific environment in which an organism lives. Choice C is the only option that reflects this kind of interaction, as identical twins who were raised in different environments are likely to have differences in their behavioral traits that are not explained by genetics alone. The other choices do not provide evidence for a gene-environment interaction because they do not show any relationship between genetics and environment.

Which Statement Best Describes a Valid Gene-Environment Interaction