Influences beside genetics and environment

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In summary, the development of an organism is influenced by a combination of genetics, environment, epigenetics, and internal factors such as psychology and hormones. Random chance and social hierarchization also play a role in development. The concept of nurture encompasses all factors that affect an individual, including both external and internal factors. Epigenetics, which involves passing down traits that are not coded in the genes, has been identified as a significant factor in development. While similar, environment and nurture are not the same, with environment focusing on external factors and nurture including all factors that affect an individual. Some aspects of Lamarckism can be seen in epigenetics.
  • #1
Loren Booda
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What influences the development of an organism, or organisms in general, other than genetics and environment? E. g., would ontogeny, cell structure, psychology or hormones qualify?
 
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  • #2
Random chance plays a part.
Particuarly in the chemical gradient fields that direct development.

Identical twins arn't perfectly identical, even though one could argue that both the genetics and environment are the same.
 
  • #3
NoTime said:
Random chance plays a part.
Aka stochastics.

The development of an organism is influenced by many things. Environment is a big word and can contain a lot of things. A major thing that has recently been identified is epigenetics: passing down traits that are not coded in the genes, but rather in a layer upon that.
 
  • #4
You could also consider the idea of interaction.

Phenotype = Genetics <interact> Environment

The concept is that neither Genetics nor Environment plays an overwhelming role (usually meaning mortality) - during a part of the time an organism exists...
 
  • #5
All excellent ideas! Just as I would ask for.
 
  • #6
The difference between an individual that grows up with a leader attitude and his twin that grows up with a submissive attitude will be enormous at maturity, and this just can't be bluntly encompassed in "environment".

You should add social hierarchisation as a factor of its own.
 
  • #7
SF said:
The difference between an individual that grows up with a leader attitude and his twin that grows up with a submissive attitude will be enormous at maturity, and this just can't be bluntly encompassed in "environment".

You should add social hierarchisation as a factor of its own.

What, cultural circumstances are not "environment"? Why ever not?
 
  • #8
What I said can't be called "cultural circumstances". I was talking about an individual's worldview: how _he_ imagines the world he's living in.
 
  • #9
I've yet to see something that does not fall under the category of either genetics ("nature") or environment (" nurture "). All the suggestions fall into these including stochastic fluctuations, which would be environment.
 
  • #10
Ah, but there is your error: you identify nurture with the environment.
Environment is included in nurture but they're not the same thing.

Nurture = everything that affects the individual. Period.
Environment = all the external factors that affect the individual.
Pyche = all the internal factors that affect the individual.

Psyche + Environment together are Nurture, or at least that's how I see it.
 
  • #11
SF said:
Pyche = all the internal factors that affect the individual.

Psyche + Environment together are Nurture, or at least that's how I see it.

And these internal factors are uncaused? Or self-caused? Or what?
 
  • #12
epigenetics?? sounds Lamarckian (sp?) LOL
 
  • #13

1. What are some examples of influences besides genetics and environment?

Some examples of influences besides genetics and environment include culture, social interactions, education, and personal experiences.

2. How do these influences impact individuals?

These influences can impact individuals in various ways, such as shaping their beliefs, values, and behaviors. They can also influence their physical and mental development, as well as their overall health and well-being.

3. Can these influences be changed or controlled?

While genetics and environment are largely out of our control, these other influences can be changed or controlled to some extent. For example, individuals can choose to surround themselves with different social circles or pursue different educational paths.

4. Are these influences the same for everyone?

No, these influences can vary greatly from person to person. For instance, culture and personal experiences can differ greatly depending on an individual's background and upbringing.

5. How do scientists study these influences?

Scientists use various methods to study these influences, including conducting experiments, surveys, and observations. They also analyze data and conduct research to better understand how these influences can impact individuals and society as a whole.

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