Even if a gene has a strong relationship to a particular phenotype, that characteristic may not show itself if a person's experiences do not lead the gene to express itself. This reflects which of the following principles?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Gene–environment interaction describes how the same genotype can produce different phenotypes depending on environmental conditions, so it directly fits the scenario.

Relevant concepts: a genotype is the genetic information an individual carries; phenotype is the observable trait. Gene expression can be influenced by environmental inputs (nutrition, toxins, social experience), epigenetic modifications, and developmental context. Terms closely related are penetrance (the proportion of individuals with a genotype who show the phenotype) and expressivity (degree of trait expression). Gene–environment interaction (G×E) and reaction range/phenotypic plasticity explain why a genetically predisposed trait might not appear without specific environmental triggers.

Step-by-step reasoning:
1. The stem says a gene has a strong relationship to a phenotype (genetic predisposition exists).
2. It then notes the characteristic may not show itself unless experiences lead the gene to express (environment alters outcome).
3. That pattern—genetic predisposition modulated by environmental exposure—is the definition of gene–environment interaction.
4. Classic examples: phenylketonuria (PKU) causes intellectual disability if high-phenylalanine diet is not avoided; with dietary control the phenotype is prevented. Similarly, genetic potential for tall stature requires adequate nutrition during growth.

Why the correct answer is correct: Gene × environment interaction explicitly captures the idea that environmental experiences can enable, suppress, or change the expression of genetic tendencies, accounting for cases where a strong gene-phenotype link does not always produce the phenotype.

Why other options are incorrect:
- Dominant–recessive genes describe allele relationships affecting trait expression in Mendelian inheritance; they do not explain environmental modulation.
- Selective breeding is an artificial process of choosing parents to change population genetics, not an explanation for individual gene expression being environment-dependent.
- Genome-wide associations (GWAS) are a research method to find statistical links between variants and traits; they do not describe the mechanism by which environment affects expression.

Conclusion: The correct principle is gene x environment interaction, which matches the provided answer.

Even if a gene has a strong relationship to a particular phenotype, that characteristic may not show itself if a person's experiences do not lead the gene to express itself. This reflects which of the following principles?Single choice

Similar Questions

Of the following psychologists, who is most likely to agree with the Gene --> Environment theory?

If a study found that adults interact more with attractive infants leading those children to become more outgoing, then it would be concluded that the children's outgoingness is a product of

Through advanced genetic screening, Todd was informed that he had the genetic potential to grow to 6'5. However, at age 35, Todd stands at about 5'10. Taking into account gene/environment interactions, how is this scenario best explained?

What are some examples of environmental likelihood (not causal) factors associated with autism that may interact with genetic/ neurobiological factors? There are multiple correct answers.

Emily has been taking her son Joshua (currently 2 years old) to the petting zoo since he was born, and continues to do so because she finds it makes him happy. This is an example of which Genotype --> Environment effect(s)? Choose the best answer.

Based on the findings from Caspi et al. (2002) in which researchers examined MAOA activity in adults who had experienced no, probable, or severe maltreatment as children, how would you best answer the question "Is aggression learned?"

The outcome of an individual's traits is controlled by:

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler