Is Intelligence Inherited or Acquired? 

Intelligence is a result of both genetic and environmental factors. There are a large number of genes involved in determining a person’s raw intelligence. However, it’s not the whole picture because early experiences and ongoing support are also important in helping children reach their full potential. 

Is intelligence inherited or acquired? 

In other words, it’s a combination of both nature and nurture. Nature (genetics) might provide some initial advantages. But those advantages might not be tapped well if children or adults lack the resources and opportunities to fully use and develop their intelligence. Nurture probably plays a bigger role than nature when it comes to intelligence. 

Intelligence is often about the ability to learn and adapt as well as the capability to solve problems and understand complex ideas and concepts. A sharp memory can also contribute because there’s more to use or draw from (especially when it comes to vocabulary and scientific concepts) when trying to understand an unfamiliar concept. 

Notice that those skills aren’t strictly tied in with genetics because children can still learn how to adapt, solve problems and understand complex ideas. Perhaps some genes or neurons are still necessary to learn those skills in the first place. But to become good at them still requires practice and continuous nurturing (especially in the child’s early years where rapid brain development occurs). 

In addition, an individual’s genes and environment actually influence each other. For example, in the child’s early years, early positive experiences can change the chemistry that happens in the encoding of genes in their brain cells. This shows that experiences (nurture) can influence genes (nature). 

In other words, early experiences can affect which genes will be turned on or off. Certain genes might not also be expressed at all (which can affect the ability to learn certain tasks). This can have lifelong consequences such as limiting the opportunities of those who have gained early negative experiences (these can even have a huge impact on one’s physical health because organ development will also be affected). 

It’s important to recognise this gene-environment interaction so that we can better support our children in their growth and progress. It’s especially the case in the children’s early years where their brains are more responsive to changes. If their early experiences are positive and meaningful, this goes a long way to helping them achieve long-term success and happiness.