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! ...
