"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." This was the title of an essay by geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky writing in 1973. Many causes have been given for the increased Cesarean section rate in developed countries, but biologic evolution has not been one of them. The C-section rate will continue to rise, because the…

Analysis of various statistics from birth records of 317 consecutive births revealed that twins are nonrepresentative of newborns with respect to birth weight and gestation, with male pairs to same-sex pairs the least representative. Differences between Negro and Caucasian twins were also found. (MH)

This biography explores the many scientific interests and contributions of Francis Galton and outlines his psychological studies as a "detour" from his major works that lasted from 1877 to 1885. Galton's interest in heredity was a focus of the second half of his life, the first having concentrated on geography and exploration. (SLD)

Presents a perspective on evolution which includes an explanation of the textbook theory of evolution, a review of evolutionary theory before Darwin, and an outline of Darwin's early theories. Describes a rethinking of evolutionary theory to include natural selection, conservative selection, discontinous evolution, catastrophism, and the…

Makes the case that "g" (general intelligence) can arise from the effect of shared genes influencing cognitive test performance and provides a simple mathematical demonstration of how this occurs. Predicts the need for a profound shift in the search for biological bases of "g." (Author/SLD)

Explores the role of biological causation in the development of behavioral outcomes. Genes and other biological structures constitute complex behavior, but the behavior of complex organisms cannot be derived from the biogenetic units of which it is composed. (SLD)

Used the classical twin design with 390 pairs of twins to study the influence of genetic factors on the large phenotypic variation in inspection time (IT) and whether the well-established IT-IQ association could be explained by a common genetic factor. Findings provide potentially important information for the biological bases of the…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between stuttering and a range of variables of possible relevance, with the main focus on neuromuscular reactivity, and anxiety. The explorative analysis also included temperament, biochemical variables, heredity, preonset lesions, and altered auditory feedback (AAF). An increased level of…

Discusses how genetic data on present human population relationships and data from the Pleistocene fossil hominid record are being used to compare two contrasting models for the origin of modern humans. (TW)

Written in response to an earlier article questioning certain aspects of evolution theory. Discusses ontogeny and phylogeny, the basis of evolution, chance or purpose in evolution, micro and macro-evolution, reversibility, and the evolution processes today. (MA)

Finds several difficulties with the theory advanced by R. Howard and shows that alternative explanations relating to changes in the chess environment, including increased access to chess knowledge, offer better explanations for the increased presence of young players at top-level chess. (SLD)

This study of 11 3-generation families supported the hypothesis of autosomal dominant inheritance with reduced penetrance. Data did not support an increased frequency of males, left-handedness, or autoimmune disorders in dyslexics. Severity was greater in males. Long-term outcome was comparable in dyslexics and nondyslexics. (JDD)

A study of 202 patients with autism found the incidence of a dodecamer duplication in the HOPA gene was not significantly different between patients and controls. Three female patients inherited the duplication from nonautistic fathers. Also, there was no systematic skewing of X inactivation in female patients with the duplication. (Contains…

Explores the interplay between nature and nurture using antisocial behavior as the example, and discusses key genetic concepts and key environmental concepts. The final section considers the nature-nurture interaction in relation to passive, evocative, and active gene-environment correlations and calls for research into the effects of the…