Final answer:
The gene allele associated with novelty-seeking behaviors and related disorders is bola2, which is unique to humans when compared to other primates and shows fewer variations in humans, indicating a potential role in disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and others.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gene allele associated with novelty-seeking behaviors and related disorders has been a topic of considerable research. One gene of interest is the bola2 gene. This gene is found in almost all human genomes that have been sequenced and has variants that are quite distinct from those found in other primates, including Neanderthals. Interestingly, the variations in the human bola2 gene occur less frequently than in other genes, suggesting a potential role in the unique behavioral traits of humans, including those related to disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Research into genetic factors of disorders such as ASD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other psychiatric conditions often examines alleles that could be linked to the observed behaviors. In the study of these disorders, a multidisciplinary approach is taken, considering factors like gene-environment interactions (epigenetics), brain imaging, molecular genetics, and the functioning of various systems, including the endocrine system and the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, which is related to the fight or flight response.