Do our genes make our personality? There has been a large debate over whether inherited genes or the environmental effects make who exactly we are and shape our personality, intelligence and ability.

But nowadays many research results show more and more genetic influence on every human traits and behavior. However, genetic influence on traits and behavior is partial, because genetics account on average for half of the variation of most traits. Therefore it’s not nature or nurture, but the interaction of nature and nurture that drives development. In other words, genes alone can not give a complete explanation for human behavior. And environment influence can have a major impact on personality, although these influence may interplay with one’s genes. There are three kinds of gene-environment relations.

First genetically based characteristics may influence aspects of the parent-produced environment. For example, if a musical ability has heritability, child born to musically inclined parents is also likely to have musical talent. His/her parents then would provide him musically stimulating environment which fosters child’s musical development.

A second genetic influence on environment is called the evocative influence, which means genetically distinct child evoke different reactions from peers and parents and others. For example, a child who is aloof and don’t like to be touched or approached, evoke less positive reactions from others than outgoing and cuddly child. And this self-created environment may strengthen their genotypically influenced tendency to withdraw from social contact.  

A third one is called active correlation, meaning we are not simply passive responders to whatever environment happens to come our way. We actively seek out certain environments and avoid others. For instance, smart child will seek out intellectually stimulating environment. And become even smarter.  

In conclusion, it is safe to say that the role of genetics and the environment equalize people's traits and behavior. Because genetic influences interact with experience to make a complete human. So we can’t say only our genes make us the way we are. In other words genetic and environmental factors rarely operate alone; they interact with one another in important ways. Genetic factors may influence how different people experience the same environment, and the environment can influence how genes express themselves.