A lot of fathers are going to hate this, but genetic
research has found (people) probably get a log of intelligence from their X
gene, the feminine one… The X chromosome has a thousand gene, and a bunch of
them influence cognition. – Dr. Keith Witt...
Until quite recently, it was generally accepted that both parents have a roughly
equal influence on their child's intelligence. However, it turns out – should
this research be proven correct – that women have a much larger impact on their
child's cognitive abilities than men.
Now, it is important to understand
that this research is quite controversial. Most studies claiming to uncover the
enigmatic functioning of intelligence often evoke passionate debate. Relatedly,
genetics is a highly-complex and multifaceted scientific arena. Studies are
continuously being produced that seek to disavow, or seriously alter, any
related study before it.
Regardless of the vigorous debate, it
is beneficial to present (and interpret) these findings with an objective mind.
If anything, this study is fascinatingly entertaining. Ultimately, this is our
goal – to entertain. We hope that our readers find this study to be as
intriguing as we have.
The Role Of X and Y Chromosomes
Many people do not have much of a
clue when it comes to genetics. As such, it's beneficial to quickly go over a
couple important facts. This will also make reading and understanding the
remainder of this article much easier.
.A
chromosome is a thread-like structure consisting of nucleic acids and protein.
They carry genetic information.
.Every
human being carries one pair of chromosomes in each cell.
.Females
have two X chromosomes. Males have one X and one Y chromosome.
“Conditioned Genes”
Conditioned genes, in the most basic
sense, are those that are gender-specific. As a rule, the genetic properties of
conditioned genes are either activated or deactivated depending upon the
specific designation and, subsequently, the genetic properties being influenced.
Conditioned genes inherently contain
a “tagging” system, which is made up of biochemical material. This tagging
system allows two important things: (1) tracing to the gene's point of origin,
and (2) determination of an activated or deactivated state within the body.
Activated genes will influence genetic development, while deactivated genes
will not.
To the second point, if an individual
characteristic is influenced via the mother, the paternal genes are
deactivated. Conversely, if an attribute is influence via the father, the
maternal genes are subsequently deactivated.
The mechanisms of conditioned genes
form the basis of the intelligence study.
Findings Of The Study And Related
History
Cognition is thought to be influenced
mainly by the X chromosome. Theoretically, women are more likely to influence
cognition, as females possess two X chromosomes while men carry just one. Of
course, there is much more to the theory than the number of X chromosomes.
This is where conditioned genes
(remember?) comes into play. Intelligence is thought to be a highly-conditioned
gene – a conditioned gene that comes directly form the mother.
In this study, scientists used
genetically-modified mice to test their hypothesis. They discovered embryonic
test subjects that were administered predominantly maternal genetic material
developed a disproportionately larger cranium and brain, while developing a
much smaller body. Subjects administered disproportionate amounts of paternal
genetic material developed a larger body, but a smaller cranium and brain.
In addition to cranium and brain
size, researchers were privy to some other interesting observations. First,
they identified six areas of the brain that contained only maternal or paternal
genes. Second, they did not find any paternal genetic material within the
cerebral cortex – the area of the brain responsible for executive functioning,
such as language, planning, logical reasoning and advanced thinking.
The idea that mothers have a
disproportionate influence on a child’s intelligence is not a new one. In 1984,
the University of Cambridge studied both brain development (termed
“co-evolution) and genomic conditioning. Cambridge sciences ultimately
concluded that maternal genetics contribute more to the thought centers of the
brain.
Fast-forward to today and similar
findings have taken place, like the experiment described above.
In one particularly noteworthy study,
researchers at a governmental agency in Scotland followed a group of 12,686
people aged 14 to 22. Each year, researchers would interview the subjects while
observing intellectual development while considering various factors, from
education to ethnicity. The scientists conclusively state that the mother's IQ
was found to be the best predictor of intelligence.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, the findings of this
and related studies pertaining to intelligence will continue to be evaluated
and scrutinized. As mentioned, no scientific study that makes claims to the
development of intellect will ever be fully accepted by all.
However, if there is one conclusion
that can be reached it's this: mothers have a significant influence on their
children's cognitive abilities.
And it isn't just genetics, either.
Far from it. Nourishment and nurturement of a child directly influences their
intellectual growth – two responsibilities mainly overseen by the mother.
Furthermore, the special bond between a mother and child provides stimulus for
them to explore the world and navigate problems.
In conclusion, women play a much
larger role to the intellectual development of children than can be understood
by a genetics experiment. However, the findings of these and other studies seem
to buttress the notion that our mom's give us our brainpower.
Thanks, Mom! ...
