effect of learning on genetics

[daflora]

hi guys.do u think some habit learned by someone can be passsed on to his or her children?

[Ygggdrasil]

It certainly cannot be passed on genetically, but upbringing and environment play roles as well. So a child could pick up a habit from their parents simply because the child sees the parent performing the behavior and wants to mimic it.

[daflora]

thanks alot.but i have an impression that that has alot to do with evolution.is that the case?

[jim mcnamara]

There are epigenetic effects - enviromental effects on genetic material - that are passed on to offspring. Some are obvious - exposure to radiation or mutagens - increases the likelihood of genetic defect diseases in children of parents who were exposed.

Another effect is the apparent DNA effects found in mothers and offspring living after a famine
http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news-1/First-evidence-that-prenatal-exposure-to-famine-may-lead-to-persistent-epigenetic-changes-28269-1/

So this does indicate that while envrionment can damage DNA, learning in and of itself does not damage DNA.