Question

A patient asks you about the data proving that alcoholism is hereditary. During your discussion, the patient asks you the following question: "The study of which group most strongly supports the heredity of alcoholism?" The correct answer is:

A. Siblings
B. Cousins
C. Parents
D. Mothers-daughters
E. Adopted siblings

Answer 1

The study of adopted siblings most strongly supports the genetics of alcoholism by clearly separating genetic factors from environmental influences.

Step-by-step explanation:

The study of adopted siblings most strongly supports the heredity of alcoholism. This is because adopted siblings share no genetics with their adoptive family, allowing for a clearer distinction between environmental and genetic factors when it comes to alcohol addiction. Studies, such as the one by Tienari and colleagues in 2004, have shown that adopted individuals whose biological parents have certain disorders, such as schizophrenia, are more likely to develop the disorder themselves. This illustrates the genetic component in hereditary diseases and can be extrapolated to support the genetic basis for alcoholism. By comparing adopted siblings to biological siblings or parents, researchers gain valuable insights into how much of the risk for alcoholism is genetic versus environmental.