can someone tell me what biological influences are and how they may present on an individual. Would these characteristics be the same for both sexes? and I need an example of how these characteristics can affect the development of an individual at various life stages.
been stuck on this for a while if someone could help I would be most grateful.
http://www.google.com/#q=biological+influences+proplr
Biological influences refer to the genetic and physiological factors that shape an individual's development and characteristics. These influences are inherited from one's biological parents and can have a significant impact on various aspects of a person's life.
These influences may present on an individual in several ways. Here are a few examples:
1. Physical Appearance: Biological influences contribute to a person's physical features, such as height, hair color, eye color, facial structure, body build, and skin tone. These characteristics are influenced by genes inherited from both parents.
2. Health and Disease: Biological influences can affect an individual's susceptibility to certain diseases and medical conditions. Some conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, have a genetic component that increases the risk for developing them.
3. Mental and Cognitive Abilities: Biological factors also influence an individual's mental and cognitive abilities. These include intelligence, memory, attention span, and susceptibility to mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia.
Regarding the impact of biological influences on both sexes, there are certain characteristics that may differ based on biological sex. For example, males have XY chromosomes, while females have XX chromosomes. This difference in genetic makeup can lead to distinct biological traits and conditions in males and females.
As for how these characteristics can affect the development of an individual at various life stages, here's an example:
Suppose a person inherits a genetic predisposition for a certain medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes. This biological influence may affect their development at different life stages:
1. Childhood: The individual might have a higher risk of developing obesity due to their genetic makeup. Childhood obesity, in turn, can increase the likelihood of developing diabetes later in life.
2. Adolescence: During puberty, hormonal changes might exacerbate the risk of developing diabetes, as hormonal imbalances can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation.
3. Adulthood: If the person's genetic predisposition combines with an unhealthy lifestyle, such as poor diet and lack of exercise, the risk of developing diabetes may increase further. As a result, they might need to manage their blood glucose levels through medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring.
Remember, while biological influences play a significant role in development, they interact with environmental factors and individual experiences to shape each person uniquely.