Research suggests that children’s intelligence is primarily inherited from their mothers, not their fathers.
This conclusion is based on the fact that intelligence-related genes are located on the X chromosome, of which women have two, while men have only one.
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Additionally, scientists believe that genes from the father related to advanced cognitive functions may be deactivated. These “conditioned genes” operate differently depending on their parental origin, with intelligence being one such gene that must come from the mother to be active.
In laboratory studies with genetically modified mice, those with an extra dose of maternal genes had larger brains and smaller bodies, while those with more paternal genes had smaller brains and larger bodies.
Researchers found that maternal genes were active in the cerebral cortex, responsible for advanced cognitive functions, while paternal genes were more active in the limbic system, which handles functions like sex, food, and aggression.
To test these findings in humans, researchers in Glasgow studied 12,686 young people, aged 14 to 22, over several years.
They discovered that a mother’s IQ was the best predictor of her children’s intelligence, even after accounting for various factors such as education, race, and socio-economic status.
However, intelligence is not solely determined by genetics; only 40 to 60 percent is hereditary. The environment also plays a crucial role, and mothers significantly influence this aspect.
Studies show that a strong emotional bond between a mother and her child is critical for brain development. For example, researchers at the University of Washington found that children with emotionally supportive mothers had a 10 percent larger hippocampus, a brain area involved in memory and learning, by age 13.
A secure mother-child bond fosters confidence and problem-solving skills in children, further aiding their intellectual development.
While fathers can also provide nurturing environments, their genetic contribution to intelligence is different.
Traits like intuition and emotions inherited from fathers can also enhance a child’s potential intelligence, ensuring fathers have a vital role in their children’s cognitive development as well.