Question

Epigenetics refers to the

a. influences tha affect our mating decisions
b. factors that trigger us to behave aggressively towards others
c. the study of how men and women respond to sex hormones
d. the way that genes solely create our personalities
e. the study of how the environment triggers genetic expression

Answer 1

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression triggered by environmental factors, affecting phenotype without altering the genotype.

Step-by-step explanation:

Epigenetics refers to the study of how the environment triggers genetic expression. It focuses on heritable changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence itself, but rather the way that genes are turned on or off due to environmental factors. These changes, resulting from chemical modifications such as DNA methylation or histone modification, can affect phenotype without changing the underlying genotype, and can be passed down through generations. Examples include how exposure to environmental factors like smoking or diet can impact one's height or increase susceptibility to certain diseases, illustrating epigenetic adaptation.