Which of the following methods is used for assessing heritability?
A) the study of families where most members share a particular trait
B) the study of siblings sharing highly similar traits
C) the comparison of identical twins with same-sex fraternal twins
D) the study of opposite-sex siblings separated shortly after birth and reared apart

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The comparison of identical twins with same-sex fraternal twins is the method used for assessing heritability because identical twins share 100% of their DNA, while same-sex fraternal twins share about 50%. This allows researchers to compare the similarity of traits between the two types of twins and determine how much of the variation is due to genetics versus environment. The other options (A, B, and D) also involve studying genetic similarities between family members, but do not provide as clear of a comparison as the twin study method.

Which of the Following Methods Is Used for Assessing Heritability