Final answer:
Sandra Scarr's gene-environment correlations describe how genes and environment interact bidirectionally. Examples include a musically inclined child with musician parents growing in a musical environment. The field of epigenetics studies how identical genotypes can result in different phenotypes due to environmental differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sandra Scarr discussed various ways in which genes and the environment interact to shape our behavior and characteristics. This concept is defined by the understanding that not only do our genes affect our environment, but our environment influences the expression of our genes. The three types of gene-environment correlations are passive, evocative, and active. A real-life example different from those in the text could be a musically talented child born to musician parents. The child inherits the genetic propensity for musical ability, and their environment is enriched with musical instruments and training, fostering the child's innate talent.
As part of science practices CONNECTION for AP® Courses, we can consider how environmental factors like UV light affect gene expression, which can lead to skin changes or damage. Similarly, nutrient deficiency can turn some genes on or off, influencing how our bodies function.
Understanding gene-environment interaction is crucial for fields like epigenetics, where we observe how identical genes can express differently due to environmental variation. For instance, although identical twins share the same DNA, their environmental exposures can lead to one twin developing a condition like cancer while the other does not.