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[Genetic problems of handedness]
1Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum, Technischen Universität Dresden.
Zeitschrift Fur Morphologie Und Anthropologie
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Handedness, a key lateral sign, shows strong hereditary links. Family and adoption studies suggest genetics play a more significant role than environmental factors in determining handedness.
Area of Science:
- Human Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Handedness is a prominent human lateral sign with complex inheritance patterns.
- Phenotypic assessment of handedness is challenging, complicating genotype-phenotype correlations.
- The biological underpinnings of handedness, including potential genetic agonism, are under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the available evidence on the heredity of handedness.
- To evaluate the relative contributions of genetic and sociocultural factors in handedness determination.
- To discuss genetic models that explain handedness variation.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of published family and adoption studies on handedness.
- Analysis of data on infant asymmetries, structural/behavioral asymmetries, and twin studies.
- Discussion of genetic models, including Annett's and McManus's models, for handedness.
Main Results:
- Family studies consistently demonstrate a significant intrafamilial correlation for handedness.
- Adoption studies, though limited, indicate biological heritage is a stronger determinant than sociocultural influences.
- Genetic models incorporating directional and fluctuating asymmetry offer explanatory power.
Conclusions:
- Substantial evidence supports a significant genetic influence on handedness.
- While sociocultural factors may play a role, genetic factors appear to be the primary determinants.
- Further research into genetic models and early developmental asymmetries is warranted.