Summary
Identifies genes influencing behaviour, such as the foraging gene in fruit flies.
In depth
Genes such as foraging (for) in Drosophila (rover vs sitter), prairie vole vasopressin receptor and pair bonding, and FoxP2 and vocal learning. Behaviour is polygenic and influenced by environment.
Techniques: crosses, QTL mapping, knockouts, and genome-wide association. Single gene changes can alter complex behaviours, but most behaviours involve many genes with small effects and environmental influence.
Example: the Drosophila fruitless gene controls male courtship circuits.
Frequently asked questions
What is Behavioural Genetics?
Identifies genes influencing behaviour, such as the foraging gene in fruit flies.
Which area of biology covers Behavioural Genetics, and how advanced is it?
Behavioural Genetics is one of the 53 topics in Animal Behaviour. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Nature vs Nurture, Hormones and Behaviour, Animal Cognition Experiments.
Can you give an example of Behavioural Genetics?
Selective breeding for tameness changes many traits.
What should I learn before Behavioural Genetics?
Work through the Beginner topics in Animal Behaviour first, such as Animal Behaviour, Innate Behaviour, Learned Behaviour, then return to Behavioural Genetics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Behavioural Genetics?
The closest topics to Behavioural Genetics are Nature vs Nurture, Hormones and Behaviour, Animal Cognition Experiments, Biological Rhythms. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Behavioural Genetics?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Behavioural Genetics. To practise the whole of Animal Behaviour, use the Animal Behaviour quiz.
How is Behavioural Genetics different from Nature vs Nurture?
Behavioural Genetics: Identifies genes influencing behaviour, such as the foraging gene in fruit flies. Nature vs Nurture: Behaviour results from interaction of genes and environment, not one alone. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Behavioural Genetics step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Nature vs Nurture and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Animal Behaviour quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.