Final answer:
Intelligence is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, as studies like the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart suggest a significant genetic component, while acknowledging the role of environmental influences on cognitive development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heredity and Environmental Factors Influencing Intelligence
The question focuses on the origins of high intelligence, a subject that has been extensively studied through research on twins, particularly identical twins who have been adopted into different families. It deals with the attribution of intelligence levels to genetic and environmental factors. The Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart found a significant genetic component to intelligence, as identical twins, whether raised together or apart, show a high correlation in IQ scores. This suggests that genes play a role in determining intelligence. Furthermore, the field of behavioral genetics also shows that identical twins share highly similar personalities, implying a genetic basis for certain personality traits.
However, the scientific community recognizes that environment greatly influences the manifestation of cognitive abilities. For instance, providing a child with intellectual stimulation can benefit their development and be reflected in their IQ. The field of epigenetics explores how gene expression is influenced by environment, resulting in different phenotypes even in identical twins with the same genotype. It is important to acknowledge that intelligence is not determined exclusively by genetics or environment but by a complex interplay between the two. The Minnesota study, alongside other research, highlights the importance of both heredity and environmental factors in the development of intelligence.