Heritable Information

The heritability of traits and information from a genetic perspective can be quite intricate. Experts discuss how genetic information influences various attributes and behaviors:

1. Heritable Information and Memories:

   • Oded Rechavi delves into how experiences shape synaptic connections in the brain, and queries if these synapse patterns can be translated into molecular forms that can be inherited. He contrasts synaptic-based information in the brain with molecular heritable information, which must pass through a single cell, the fertilized egg 1.

2. Human Individuality:

   • David Linden explains that traits like shyness or height have varying degrees of heritability. He gives examples such as the heritability of earwax types, which is 100% due to the ABCC11 gene, and points out that genes code for proteins, not specific traits. He also contrasts this with traits like speech accent, which are entirely shaped by environmental factors 2.

3. Genetic Information Complexity:

   • Christoph Adami discusses the abundance of non-informative genetic material in the human genome. He explains that only about 8% of the human genome encodes essential information, while the rest consists of intergenic regions that do not significantly affect the organism's function 3.
     
     1
     Memory and Inheritance
     01:50:12
     
     2
     Human Individuality
     00:42:09
     
     3
     Genetic Information Complexity
     00:54:49
     
     4
     Genes and Intelligence
     00:18:43
     
     5
     Heritability of Intelligence
     00:24:54
     
     6
     Genetic Influence on Learning
     00:41:48

4. Genetics and Intelligence:

   • Eric Turkheimer clarifies there are no specific genes that directly cause intelligence, though many factors influenced by genes collectively contribute to intellectual capabilities. He emphasizes that the environment also plays a significant role 4 5.

5. Educational Achievement and Cognitive Abilities:

   • Robert Plomin elaborates on how educational achievement can be more heritable than IQ in early school years but maintains consistent heritability through later school years. This suggests that while educational accomplishments are heavily influenced by genetics, IQ continues to be shaped by various factors over time 6.

These insights reveal the nuanced and multifactorial nature of heritable information, blending genetic and environmental influences in shaping various human traits and behaviors.