Evolution Quote by Robert M. Sapolsky
““What’s a heritability score? “What does a gene do?” is at least two questions. How does a gene influence average levels of a trait? How does a gene influence variation among people in levels of that trait?””
About This Quote
Source Book: Behaviors of Humans by Robert M. Sapolsky, 2017
Gene heritability measures how much of a trait’s average level is due to genetics, while variation among individuals reflects genetic influence on differences.
In simple terms: Heritability = genetic contribution to average trait; variation = genetic influence on differences.
Key Takeaway
Distinguish between average effect and individual variation.
Themes
genetics
biology
statistics
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- clinical genetics
Key Concepts
heritability
variation
trait analysis
Practical Applications
- genetic counseling
Questions to Reflect On
- How does environment interact with genetics?
- Can we change a trait despite its heritability?
A Different Perspective
Heritability alone doesn’t predict individual outcomes.
![“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)
![“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)
