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Expert: - 1/4/2008


Question
Is the gene taken from a person who is intelligent(gene responsible for intelligence) can be used to create childs with that intelligence.

Answer
Dear Anand,

No.  At this time the genetic link between DNA and intelligence is poorly understood, and there is no one gene anyone knows that is responsible for intelligence.  

It is likely that intelligence has a strongly genetic component, but it is also largely nurtured and increased by environmental stimulus.

While it may be true that intelligent parents tend to produce intelligent children, no one knows how much of intelligence (which is difficult to measure without bias, in any case) is Nature (genetic) and how much is Nurture (environmental).

Hope that helps.

Dana

Biology

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Volunteer

Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience

At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

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