Gene-Environment Correlation in Humans: Lessons from Psychology for Quantitative Genetics

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Biology
• Quantitative Genetics
• Behavioral Ecology

Background:

• Genes can influence phenotypes that alter environments.
• Quantitative genetics rarely addresses how individuals select and modify environments due to genetic variation.
• Gene-environment correlation (rGE) is a well-studied phenomenon in psychology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To stimulate research on genetic variation in environmental choice and manipulation in wild populations.
• To review empirical examples of gene-environment correlation (rGE) from psychology.
• To highlight the relevance of rGE to quantitative geneticists studying nonhuman organisms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of psychology research on gene-environment correlation (rGE).
• Identification of concepts and examples applicable to quantitative genetics in wild populations.
• Discussion of potential research avenues for testing rGE in natural settings.

Main Results:

• Gene-environment correlation (rGE) arises from genetic variation in behavior and personality, influencing experienced environments.
• Psychology provides a rich source of empirical examples of rGE.
• Quantitative geneticists can apply rGE concepts to wild populations.

Conclusions:

• Integrating gene-environment correlation (rGE) into quantitative genetics can advance understanding of evolutionary processes.
• Further research is needed to explore rGE in wild populations.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration between psychology and evolutionary biology is beneficial.