Question

Donavon was adopted at birth by Mr. and Mrs. Erndt. Although neither of his biological parents had much musical ability, Donavon has become an excellent pianist, just like Mr. Erndt. What would this evidence suggest if this pattern held up across multiple adoption studies?

a. Genetic factors have more influence than environmental factors in musical talent.
b. Environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in musical talent.
c. Neither genetic nor environmental factors contribute to musical talent.
d. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute equally to musical talent.

Answer 1

Multiple adoption studies indicating adoptive children match the abilities of their adoptive parents, such as in the case of Donavon, suggest environmental factors are more influential than genetic factors in developing musical talent.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the pattern described in the situation with Donavon and Mr. Erndt held up across multiple adoption studies, it would suggest that environmental factors have more influence than genetic factors in musical talent. This conclusion stems from the fact that Donavon's biological parents did not have much musical ability, yet he developed a high level of musical talent under the guidance of his adoptive parent who was skilled in music.

In such studies, if adopted children frequently match the abilities of their adoptive parents rather than their biological parents, it indicates that the learning environment and exposure to music are influential in developing musical aptitude.