Dr. Stuart Reichler’s Spring 2006 Bio 301L Homework #3
due 3 November 2006 at 9am

    We have discussed the connection between nature and nurture in class, and almost everyday researchers are finding more genetic and environmental connections to human traits.  As we learn more about the factors that lead to various traits, we are gaining the ability to make more accurate predictions about people's traits based on information such as their genes and environment.  This type of information is already indirectly asked for by insurance companies and doctors when they ask about the health of your ancestors, and/or where you are from.

    Can estimations about someone's risk for a disease or certain behavior be accurately made?  If not, will these types of estimations ever be accurate?  Do these estimations present a danger?  Can a job, insurance or school admittance be denied based on a prediction of future risk?  What should we do with the information that is being produced about the connection between genes, environment, and various traits?


    If you use any outside sources to help answer this question be certain to cite them.  Using outside sources is fine, but not citing those sources is plagiarism.  This assignment should not exceed three pages.  This homework will be graded on a scale of 0-3 points.  The typed/word-processed paper should be printed and turned in during class on November 3, 2006 at 9am in class.  I will subtract 0.5 points for each day late.
    If you have any questions, please ask.