Final answer:
Modern research confirms that environmental factors can influence genetic development, supported by concepts such as genetic environmental correlation and epigenetic variation, which show the bidirectional interaction between genes and the environment affecting phenotypic outcomes. Option A. True
Step-by-step explanation:
Modern research does indeed suggest that environmental factors can influence genetic development. This idea is true as there is considerable evidence showing the interaction between our genes and the environment. The field of developmental biology points out that a fetus, for instance, will develop differently depending on the environmental conditions experienced during pregnancy, such as nutrition and exposure to infections.
Moreover, the concept of genetic environmental correlation explains how genes and environment interact bidirectionally. A child's genes may make them more predisposed to excel in a particular area, and their environment can support and develop this potential. For example, the child of an NBA player may be more likely to develop athletic skills due to both genetic predisposition and environmental exposure to basketball.
Furthermore, the phenomenon of epigenetics demonstrates that changes in environmental influence can lead to variation in phenotype among individuals with the same genotype. Population dynamics are also affected by the level of variation, which is influenced by both genetic variation and environmental factors. Thus, it is clear that a diverse array of factors, including the environment, can impact the expression of genes and resulting phenotype.