Question

How do genetics and/or epigenetics explain the results of the study showing the impact of rat mothering behavior on the stress response in pups?

a) Genetics determine the behavior of the pups, while epigenetics influences the mother's behavior.
b) Genetics influence the mother's behavior, while epigenetics affects the pups' stress response.
c) Both genetics and epigenetics play roles in the stress response of pups to maternal care.
d) Genetics solely determine the stress response of pups to maternal care.

Answer 1

Genetics and epigenetics both play a role in the stress response of pups to maternal care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The results of the study showing the impact of rat mothering behavior on the stress response in pups can be explained by both genetics and epigenetics. Genetics play a role in determining the behavior of the pups, while epigenetics influences the stress response of the pups to maternal care. In the study, rats that were born and grew up with attentive mothers showed low activation of stress-response genes later in life, while rats with inattentive mothers had high activation of stress-response genes in the same situation. This indicates that both genetics and epigenetics contribute to the stress response of pups to maternal care.