Is intelligence hereditary?

Genetic factors account for approximately 50% of intelligence development, with the remainder influenced by education , nutrition, lifestyle, and environment.

According to Pharmacist Do Ba Tung, Head of the Microbiology Department at Le Van Thinh Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City), this is the result of several studies worldwide on the link between genetic inheritance and intelligence.

Intelligence is defined in many ways, including logical ability, abstract thinking, comprehension, self-awareness, learning, emotional intelligence, memory, planning, and problem-solving. It is a complex trait, with many ways of measuring it, and its level varies among individuals, genders, and races, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

A 2017 study published by the Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology (UK) and the London School of Economics and Political Science (UK) indicated that intelligence is highly heritable and can predict a person's success in education, work, and society.

Researchers compared the differences and similarities in IQ scores of 294,000 gene samples from children within a family, twins, adopted children, and biological children over four years (2013-2017). The results showed that the likelihood of inheriting intelligence in humans is estimated at approximately 50%. The researchers determined that a person's success is based on differences in genetic sequences, accounting for 20% of the 50% of the inheritance of intelligence.

According to scientists, intelligence, encompassing the ability to learn, reason, and solve problems, is at the forefront of behavioral genetics research. Differences in genetic DNA are the reason for the differences between individuals on intelligence tests.

Intelligent children may be intelligent due to genetic factors and a good education. Photo: Freepik

A 2017 study by Vrije University Amsterdam (Netherlands) and several other universities also showed that intelligence is determined by both environment and genes. Researchers analyzed intelligence test scores and complete genomes of over 78,000 people. They concluded that there is no single "IQ gene," but at least 22 specific genes associated with intelligence.

For example, genes such as BDNF, PLXNB2, XPTR, and KIBRA influence the development of intelligence. The BDNF gene provides instructions for creating a protein found in the brain and spinal cord called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNFD). BDNF functions at the connections between nerve cells (synapses), where cell-to-cell communication occurs. It helps regulate synaptic plasticity, which is crucial for learning and memory, and is linked to the development of intelligence.

According to researchers, not everyone is born with a fixed and unchangeable level of intelligence. Many other factors are at play, with genes being only one element in shaping and changing intelligence levels. A gene associated with intelligence does not entirely determine whether a person will perform well on an IQ test.

They also argue that achieving high scores in these fields requires optimizing the above factors and maintaining good health, rather than simply hoping for good DNA. Each person is born with different genes related to intelligence, but maximizing the use of these genes depends on the individual.

Master Tùng argues that intelligence alone does not determine a person's success. IQ scores are often used to assess high or low intelligence. A person with a high IQ typically possesses better reasoning, argumentation, planning, problem-solving, abstract thinking, and the ability to understand complex ideas.

"Parents should raise their children scientifically, with a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition from pregnancy and throughout the upbringing process to ensure optimal intellectual development," said Master Tùng.

Mai Cat

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/tri-thong-minh-co-di-truyen-4648167.html