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Twin studies allow the effects of environment ('nurture') and heredity ('nature') to be investigated in humans. In non-humans animals we can carry out controlled breeding experiments to investigate the effects of genes and environment on various traits. However this cannot be done with humans, for both ethical (it is wrong to produce children solely for the purposes of studying them) and practical reasons (it would take too long). Twin studies involve comparing identical and non-identical twins, or identical twins separated at birth. Identical twins have the same genes as each other, since they come from a single fertilized egg cell. Non-identical twins share only half of their genes with each other. All twins share (more or less) the same environment. So by examining how frequently certain traits occur in identical and non-identical twins we can estimate how much these traits are affected by genes. If identical twins are separated at birth (eg for adoption) then they will have the same genes but different environments. This also allows the effects of genes to be estimated. However, such twins will have shared the same uterus and so will have been subkect to similar, though not identical, pre-birth environments. These kinds of studies allow the influence of genes on many medical conditions to be studied. See: http://genome.wellcome.ac.uk/doc_WTD020902.html http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/on-line/genes/118.asp http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr04/second.html http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7230065.stm

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Why do scientist use studies of identical twins to learn about human characteristics?

Scientists use studies of identical twins because they share the same genetic makeup. By comparing identical twins with non-identical twins, researchers can separate the effects of genetics from environmental factors in order to understand how traits and characteristics are influenced by both nature and nurture. This can provide valuable insights into the role of genes in shaping human characteristics and behaviors.


Which of these is another term used to indicate twin studies?

Twin studies are also referred to as twin research or twin analysis, as they involve comparing characteristics of twins to understand the influence of genes and environment on traits or behaviors.


Why do scientists use studies of twins to learn about human characteristics?

Scientists use studies of twins to explore the roles of nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) in shaping human characteristics. By comparing the similarities and differences in characteristics between identical twins (who share 100% of their genetic material) and fraternal twins (who share about 50% of their genetic material), researchers can gain insights into the relative contributions of genes and environment to traits like intelligence, personality, and disease susceptibility. Twin studies help to tease apart the complex interplay between genetics and environment in shaping human behavior and health.


Are particularly important in genetics research that is the focus of behavioral genetics?

Twin studies are particularly important in behavioral genetics research to understand the role of genetics and environment in complex behaviors. By comparing identical twins who share 100% of their genes with fraternal twins who share only 50%, researchers can determine the genetic component of certain traits. These studies help unravel the interaction between genes and environment in shaping different behaviors.


The best way to separate the effects of genes and environment in research is?

conducting twin studies, particularly using identical twins raised separately. This allows for the investigation of how genetic factors contribute to traits and behaviors independently of shared environmental influences. Additionally, statistical techniques such as heritability estimates can help quantify the relative contributions of genes and environment to a particular trait.

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