Which of the following statements about the genetic underpinning of behavior is true?
A) Genes encode behaviors.
B) An animal may fail to perform a genetically controlled behavior if the appropriate environmental conditions are not present.
C) Shared behavioral traits in individuals of a species are caused by shared inheritance of certain genes.
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While genes can certainly influence behavior, it is important to note that behavior is also shaped by environmental factors. An animal may fail to exhibit a genetically controlled behavior if the appropriate environmental conditions are not present. Choice A is not accurate because while genes can influence behavior, behaviors are much more complex than can be explained simply by genes encoding them. Choice C is partially accurate in that shared behavioral traits in a species can be influenced by shared inheritance of certain genes, but again, environmental factors also play a role. Therefore, B is the best choice as it accurately reflects the role of genes in behavior while also recognizing the importance of environmental factors.

Which of the Following Statements About the Genetic Underpinning of Behavior