Nature, Nurture,
and Human
Diversity
Nature vs. Nurture
 Nature
(Genes)
o Nurture
(Environment)
What are some ways humans are
influenced by genes?
What are some ways we are
influenced by our environment?
Genes: Our code for life
 Genes
are the building blocks of physical
development.
 Traits

are influenced by genes
Ex: height, eye/hair color, aggressiveness.
How are you similar?
Striking Similarities
 The
Jim Twins : both named their dog
“Toy”!
 Patricia
Ann Campbell’s
Can Environment Influence
Genes?


Rate of twins in the world : 1 in 80
Rate of twins in Candido Godoi : 1 in 5
Nature via Nurture
 Nature
(genes) and
Nurture
(environment) work
together like two
hands clapping.
 Genes respond to
environment.
Natural Selection
 Coined
by Charles
Darwin, basically the
idea of selective
mating.
 Humans with traits
which reflect survival
and reproduction, tend
to be passed on to
future generations.
Gender differences in
Sexuality
 Biologists
use natural selection to explain
mating behaviors in animals.
 Evolutionary
Psychologists use natural
selection to explain mating behaviors in
humans
Mating Preferences
Gender and its role in society
Gender and Sex
 Sex
: Based on genetic factors.
 Determined
by chromosomes/external
genitalia/internal organs.
 Gender
: is a social, cultural
creation.
 One learns gender and what it
means to be either masculine or
feminine through interactions with
others.
 Example
: boys are strong/girls are
emotional.
This is taught to us at a young
age.
International ads
Gender cont…
 Stepping
outside of gender roles is usually
met with hostility.
 However, Western cultures are beginning
to make strides towards blurring these
boundaries.