Does a child inherit intelligence from mom or dad? Studies are trying to solve this mystery.
When the baby is born, family and friends like to comment on any resemblance to mom or dad: “Her eyes look so much like mom’s, and her little face is just dad!” or “He’s really a carbon copy of Dad!” These remarks about physical resemblance are often correct, even if the child’s appearance changes over time. So, even if he seemed to be the spitting image of Dad at birth, it may be that as he grows up, those close to him see more of Mom’s traits, or a nice blend of both parents. And then, we must also take into account the child’s personality, their character… But from whom do we inherit intelligence? Several studies have attempted to determine whether it is transmitted from the father’s or mother’s side.
According to scientists, it is the mother who transmits genes linked to intelligence, based on the fact that maternal genes develop in the cerebral cortex, the region of the brain where cognitive functions such as language. In addition, the genes for intelligence would be transmitted by the X chromosome, and it turns out that the woman has two. We therefore conclude that the child’s intelligence comes from his mother. But before bragging and loudly proclaiming that it is thanks to you that your child is gifted, we must qualify these results, which are often shared on social networks.
Indeed, the link between the X chromosome and cognitive abilities was established by Robert Lehrke in a 1972 study, but the sample was too small to be sufficiently conclusive. Other studies have also attempted to prove the mother’s influence on the child’s brain development, but fathers are not excluded. Thus, intelligence would not only be determined by the X chromosome, but by many other genes.
In addition, the child’s environment and his education are essential factors to consider for his intellectual development. Above all, researchers emphasize that the way parents look after their children plays a significant role in their cognitive abilities. Both mother and father are therefore involved in their child’s intelligence, despite what some parents might think!