Final answer:
Identical twins have a higher rate of alcoholism concordance compared to fraternal twins, signifying a genetic influence on alcoholism. While environment still plays a role, heritability is a significant factor in the development of alcoholism, as shown in twin studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The research conducted on alcoholism in identical and fraternal twins has found that identical twins have a higher concordance rate for alcoholism than fraternal twins. This suggests that there is a genetic component to alcoholism, as identical twins share 100% of their DNA while fraternal twins only share about 50%, similar to regular siblings. The Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart demonstrated the importance of heritability in certain personality traits, and by extension, can be applied to the study of alcoholism. The research showed that despite being raised in different environments, identical twins exhibited remarkably similar personality traits. Though not determinative, these findings indicate that genetics plays a substantial role in the development of certain characteristics, including the predisposition to alcoholism. Additionally, the concept of epigenetics explains how identical genotypes can result in different phenotypes due to variation in gene expression, influenced by environmental factors.
Environmental factors also play a role in the development of alcoholism, but the heritability suggested by twin studies cannot be ignored. Conditions such as alcoholism are complex and are influenced by multiple genes and environmental interactions, rather than being caused by a single gene. It's also important to consider factors such as family history of alcoholism, socialization, and personal experiences which can all contribute to the risk of developing alcoholism.