ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES AFFECT ON GENETICS

Survival  Individuals with traits favorable to environmental stressors are more likely to survive and have offspring.  The survival of the fittest.  Changes in environmental conditions can affect the survival of an individual or the entire species.  The length and quality of human life are influenced by many factors such as, sanitation, diet, medical care, genes, environmental conditions, and personal health behaviors.

Question 1  If the weather patterns change to cooler temperatures, what would be the best adaption to help an animal species survive?  A. Increase body temperature  B. Hibernate  C. Grow longer claws  D. Grow a thicker coat of fur

Question 2  Which of the following does not influence human lifespan or quality?  A. Sanitation  B. Diet  C. Hair style  D. Genes

Behavior  Some animal species are limited to certain genetically determined behaviors while others with more complex brains can learn and modify a wide variety of behaviors.  All behavior is affected by both inheritance and experience.

Question 3  Which of the following influences behavior?  A. Sanitation  B. Experience  C. Medical Care  D. Diet

Environmental factors  Substances an individual is exposed to during their life time.  Ex. Lead paint, mold, exposure to chemicals, pollutants in the air, etc.

Lifestyle Choices  Things you choose to do.  Smoking  Eating unhealthy food or beverages  Poor exercise habits

Traits, Where do they come from?  Some traits are inherited and others are the result from interactions with the environment, and lifestyle choices.  These characteristics may or may not be passed down to future generations.

Faulty Genes  Cause body parts or systems to work poorly.  A faulty gene can show up in an individual when they receive one trait from each parent.

Diabetes  Disease that many people express it as “it runs in the family.”  You won’t necessarily get the disease but you have a higher risk of getting it.  Disease can be prevented or caused by your lifestyle choices.  Should exercise frequently and watch their diet.

High blood Pressure  A condition that can lead to heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure.  Ways to prevent: limit the amount of salt and alcohol consumed, be physically active, maintain healthy weight, quit smoking, manage stress.

Genetic Diseases or Disorders  Breast Cancer  Colon Cancer  Crohn’s Disease  Hemophilia  Parkinson’s Disease  Prostate Cancer