Final answer:
The true statement regarding the influence of genes and environment on abilities such as intelligence is that many factors work together to shape an individual's level of intelligence. Genes set a potential range, but the environment determines how much of this potential is achieved. This reflects the complexity of the nature vs. nurture debate and supports the answer (d) from the provided multiple-choice options.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the question of whether the amount attributed to genes in the context of abilities is less than the role of the environment, the most appropriate answer reflects the complexity of the gene-environment interaction.
Gene-Environment Interactions
Genetic makeup establishes a range of potential outcomes for any given trait or ability, known as the range of reaction. However, it is the environment that acts upon these genetic boundaries to determine the extent to which potential is realized. Consider a child's intellectual development; genes provide the potential for intellectual ability, but without a stimulating environment, that potential might not be fully achieved. This is supported by studies showing that highly supportive environments correlate with happiness and achievement among individuals with high genetic potential.
Nature vs. Nurture
The ongoing nature vs. nurture debate recognizes that while certain traits may be more heavily influenced by genes or the environment, in reality, they interact in complex ways that can be difficult to disentangle. The environment influences the expression of genes just as genes can predispose individuals to certain environments, an idea encompassed by genetic environmental correlation.
Looking at option (d) from the multiple-choice question—'There are many factors working together to influence an individual's intelligence level'—provides a comprehensive understanding of this interaction, and highlights the consilience of various research findings pointing to neither genes nor environment as sole determinants of intelligence but rather an intricate interplay of both.