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Behavioral Genetics

Behavioral genetics is an area of specialization that seeks to understand how genetics and environment combine to create certain behavioral patterns in humans and animals. It analyzes behavior through the use of many other sub-fields of genetics, such as molecular, biochemical, evolutionary, quantitative and developmental. Some researchers hope to glean information regarding issues such as the possible link between heredity and substance abuse, temperament or learning disabilities. Others focus more on biological aspects such as feeding or mating habits of particular species.

However, human behavioral genetics is tricky, since its subject is highly subjective and open to interpretation. For instance, many of the variants that behavior geneticists hope to define are, by nature, difficult to label. What constitutes intelligence? Is it the ability of a person to retain information, to solve problems, or to interact with other human beings, etc.? Also, even if researchers are able to agree on a definition, how is that variant measured accurately? What would categorize shyness as being excessive or normal? Furthermore, since behavior is complex and most likely affected by more than one gene, assessing a specific gene’s contribution to the whole is a challenging endeavor.

Web Resources On Behavioral Genetics

DNA and Behavior
Behavioral Genetics

Book Resources On Behavioral Genetics

Behavioral Genetics in the Postgenomic Era by Robert Plomin (Editor)
Behavioral Genetics: The Clash of Culture and Biology by Ronald A. Carson (Editor), Mark A. Rothstein (Editor)

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