Education Quote by Robert M. Sapolsky
![“As you study the trait in more environments, the heritability score will decrease. This is recognized by Bouchard: “These conclusions [derived from a behavior genetics study] can be generalized, of course only to new populations exposed to a range of environments similar to those studied.”31” quote by Robert M. Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/511/robert-m-sapolsky-1166_education_as-you-study-the-trait-in-more-environme_396497.jpg)
““As you study the trait in more environments, the heritability score will decrease. This is recognized by Bouchard: “These conclusions [derived from a behavior genetics study] can be generalized, of course only to new populations exposed to a range of environments similar to those studied.”31””
About This Quote
Source Book: Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, Robert Sapolsky, 2017
Heritability estimates drop when traits are examined across varied environments, showing genetics isn’t the sole driver.
In simple terms: Traits seem less genetic in diverse settings.
Key Takeaway
Consider environmental context in genetic studies.
Themes
genetics
environment
heritability
research
variability
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- psychology research
- public health policy
- education reform
- clinical genetics
Key Concepts
behavior genetics
gene‑environment interaction
population studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you account for environmental diversity in your studies?
- What limits does this place on predicting traits?
A Different Perspective
Genetic influence never fully disappears; environment still matters.
![“Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this [step by step, from humans to apes to monkeys to lemurs] - leading us insensibly from the crown and summit of the animal creation down to creatures, from which there is but a step, as it seems, to the…” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/thomas-huxley-1183_animal_perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us_3051.jpg)
