Question

Dr. Towne believes that heredity is primarily responsible for personality traits. Dr. West believes that environmental influences are primarily responsible for personality traits. They are on different sides of the _____ debate.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: Genes versus Environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

• Traits can be defined as the characteristics or features which are expressed by a person, which can be physical, physiological or metabolic.
• The expression of a particular trait in an organism is dependent upon two major factors. They are:

1. Genes: Genes are the hereditary factors which are derived by an individual from his parents. The genes are responsible for most of the characteristics of an individual.
2. Environment: All organisms undergo genetic mutations (a sudden alteration its is genetic sequence) at random rates. Often some mutations result into the development of a trait that becomes beneficial for the organism as it provides it a survival advantage in the environment the organism is exposed to. This mutation gets retained in the organism by natural selection. Hence, we see environment also plays a vital role in determining the trait of a person.

• In the given debate, Dr. Towne is favouring Heredity (Genes) while Dr. West is favouring the Environment.