Genes being responsible for behaviour, that is behaviour being the result of 'nature', include instinctive, innate and inherited behaviour. Virtually, all behaviour is influenced by genes, although they are not determined by genes

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Mark Lim

Behaviour of an animal or person covers a wide range of characteristics. A few examples of human and animal behaviour would be that of social integration, the courtship and mating process or rather the stages to produce offspring and the different calling sounds that an animal uses. More interestingly, the sexual behaviour of humans- i.e. gays, lesbians, can be covered as well. There are some factors that contribute to behaviour characteristics- genes, nerve cells and learning, however, some of these factors contribute to a larger extent than others.

Genes being responsible for behaviour, that is behaviour being the result of ‘nature’, include instinctive, innate and inherited behaviour. Virtually, all behaviour is influenced by genes, although they are not determined by genes. Provided with information regarding the links between deficits in a brain region called the prefrontal cortical and antisocial behaviour, and between the enzyme catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) and prefrontal cortical functioning, suggested that a variant of the COMT gene might be associated with antisocial behaviour.  However, the study did state that environmental interaction was another factor that may contribute to antisocial acts.

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The estrogen-receptor gene is also attributed to mice sexual rampages. Disruption of this gene is experiments showed an almost complete shutdown of sexual behaviour in males. Absence of the 'ERa' and 'ERß' gene in male mice caused them to be unresponsive to highly receptive females, either by mating attempts or making the ultrasonic vocalisation that normally accompanies pre-mating behaviour.

Sparrow mating calls are also slightly due to their inherited genes from their parents. Within the same species, there are regional variations in bird song. These differences could be interpreted as evidence for a genetic basis. Putting aside environmental influences ...

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