Behavior and Epigenetics of Twins.

Abstract

Through the study of twins, the influence of the environment and genetics on behavior can be understood. Monozygotic (MZ) twins have identical DNA while dizygotic (DZ) twins share the same amount of DNA as any other pair of siblings. Any difference in MZ twins as they mature is likely caused by the environmentally-induced epigenetic modifications. Much of a person’s character traits and behavior are predetermined by his genetics, which raises the question of whether man really has free will? Through the examination of biblical narratives, including Abraham, Joseph, and Esther, the balance between predetermination and free will can be understood. For these biblical personalities, most events in their lives were predetermined, but eventually they are directed to a crossroad or point in their lives (i.e., a God ordained “test”) in which they are faced with a critical choice. That is the point in which predetermination changes to free will, this is not unique to these biblical personalities but is applicable to every person. Although many character traits are strongly influenced by genetics and the environment, ultimately each person arrives at his unique crossroad in life, at which point free will rather than predetermination is the deciding factor.