The following text is about behavioral genetics.
Gene-environment interaction research has complicated the nature-nurture debate. The same genes can produce different outcomes in different environments, and the same environments affect people differently depending on their genes. Some genetic variants associated with negative outcomes in adverse environments may actually be advantage-conferring in supportive environments—the "differential susceptibility" hypothesis. Rather than genes determining outcomes or environments shaping passive recipients, development involves dynamic interplay where genes influence how we respond to, and even select, our environments.
What does the differential susceptibility hypothesis suggest?
Genes completely determine all outcomes regardless of environment
Some genetic variants may be disadvantageous or advantageous depending on environment
All environments affect all people identically
Genes have no effect on development
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The differential susceptibility hypothesis proposes that "genetic variants associated with negative outcomes in adverse environments may actually be advantage-conferring in supportive environments."
- Evidence: Same variants harmful in bad conditions, beneficial in good.
- Reasoning: Genetic effects depend on environmental context.
- Conclusion: Susceptibility varies with environment.
Choice A is incorrect because environment matters crucially. Choice C is incorrect because "the same environments affect people differently depending on their genes." Choice D is incorrect because genes affect environmental response.