Heredity vs. Environment

Heredity Chromosomes-humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total) in every cell of their body. Gene-basic unit of heredity. Genes carry all the characteristics that will be transferred. Some are dominate (more influential) and some are recessive (less influential).

Dominant Curly or wavy hair Black or brown hair Long, full eyelashes Brown eyes Full lips Free earlobes Dimples Chin cleft High, narrow nose Freckles

Recessive Straight hair Blonde or red hair Short, thin eyelashes Blue eyes Thin lips Fixed earlobes No dimples Smooth chin Low, broad nose No freckles

Intellectual Ability-your intellectual potential is inherited, though your environment and your response to your environment affect it greatly. Longevity-you may inherit long life spans from relatives. Environment still plays a large role in determining longevity. Physical Characteristics-most of your physical characteristics are based on heredity.

Personal Health Health problems can be passed down through genes, but also can be environmental. If you have a history of health problems you should take extra caution to prevent them. Various birth defects can be inherited. Cystic Fibrosis Diabetes Down syndrome Sickle-cell anemia

Environment Environment-the things that surround you. Your family-provides the single most important environmental influence on a child’s personality development. Sibling Rivalry-competition with brothers and sisters. Loving family members provide a source of emotional support to one another throughout life.

Culture-the total social environment of a people or group. Customary beliefs and modes of behavior from its country of origin. Everyday interactions reflect cultural practices (family meals, births, weddings.) How do cultural influences affect our behavior? Would some people start smoking if they lived in a culture in which this practice was considered unglamorous and self-destructive? Would some people resort to violence if they had seen less of it on television and movies? Would Americans value freedom and individual initiative so highly if the nation had not been founded on these principles? We are responsible for working to make a better culture for future generations and ourselves.

Peer Group-people about your own age. one of the strongest forces in your life. Peers can be a source of strength and reinforcement. This influence is natural and even essential in the development of healthy adolescents. As an adolescent, you are searching for an identify and social acceptance. You are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure. Loyalties between your friends and you may be tested if they have standards that are unlike yours.

Technology One of the biggest changes in our society has been the shift from an industrial society to an information society. Sometimes this technology can compete with other activities such as family responsibilities, physical exercise, and social events. It can also bring family closer together because they can keep in touch easier. Media-television, movies, magazines, newspapers, music, and the Internet are only a few examples of media. Media can be an important source of both information and entertainment.