Trait behavioral

Flint J. Do animal models have a place in the genetic analysis of quantitative human behavioral traits J Mol Med 1996 74 515-521. 

Positive social behaviors, including gregariousness and the formation of social bonds, are less frequently studied than reproductive and agonistic behaviors, but are critical for primate reproduction. Agonistic behavioral traits associated with androgen exposure may be in conflict with social behaviors needed for courtship, the formation of social bonds and subsequent parental behavior. Higher levels of male sociality are probably nec-... 

Since the genetic basis of present-day temperamental and behavioral traits is already laid out in many mammalian species including mice and may reflect selective forces among our remote ancestors, research efforts have recently been focused on nonhuman primates and humans (Barr et al. 2003a,b Bennett et al. 2002 Caspi et al. 2003 Champoux et al. 2002 Newman et al. 2003). 

Gene Functional variation Behavioral traits Psychopathology/disorders... 

Although current methods for the detection of gene-environment interaction in behavioral genetics are largely indirect, the most pertinent consequence of gene identification for behavioral traits may be that it will provide the tools required to systematically elucidate the effects of gene-environment interaction. 

A widely held assumption is that there should be substantial competition among males to be the first to locate a calling female, and, therefore, there should be strong selection for behavioral traits in males that promote rapid location of calling females. These behaviors include (i) efficient ranging movements, that is, flight patterns (timed to coordinate with the females rhythm of calling) that sweep a wide area for the presence of a pheromone plume (ii) a low threshold for detection... 

Some behavioral traits are based on simple alterations, often defects, in motor skills. For example, the following traits in mutant mice have been traced to specific brain structures and often to specific biochemical alterations. 

Figure 7.25. Time courses of acclimation for three behavioral traits (temperatures at which coma, loss of equilibrium, and hyperexcitability occurred) and synaptosomal fluidity in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Fish were first acclimated to either 5°C or 25°C and then transferred to the alternate temperature. (Modified after Cossins et al., 1977.)...

EC/Dx Concentration (dose) that affects designated effect criterion (e.g., a behavioral trait) by x% compared to the control. The EC/D50 is known as the median effective concentration (dose). The EC/D values and their 95% confidence limits are usually derived by statistical analysis of effects in several test concentrations, after a fixed period of exposure. The duration of exposure must be specified (e.g., 96-hour EC50). See also LC/Dx. 

Hariri AR (2009) The neurobiology of individual differences in complex behavioral traits. Annu Rev Neurosci 32 225-247... 

What seems apparent from all these cases is that human sexuality is a good example of how genes, prenatal environment, and postnatal environment all contribute to behavior traits. As such, absolute genetic determinism of gender seems an untenable idea. Both genes and environment are involved—prenatal and postnatal environment—and how they re involved may differ in each case. 

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