AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Quantitative genetics of height In populations of European descent, the average height is ∼178 cm for males and ∼165 cm for females, with a s.d. of ∼7 cm. Its heritability is ∼0.8, which means that within a population, about 80% of the variation in height among individuals is due to genetic factors7.

Detailed explanation-2: -The main factor that influences a person’s height is their genetic makeup, or DNA. However, many other factors can influence height during development, including nutrition, hormones, and medical conditions. Scientists believe that DNA is responsible for about 80% of a person’s height.

Detailed explanation-3: -To describe someone’s height, you can say they are tall or short. Tall people are higher than short people. Someone who is thin and tall can be called lanky. To say someone is short and also small, you can say they are petite.

Detailed explanation-4: -However, non-genetic, environmental factors during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence – such as nutrition and health – have an impact on the population-wide distribution of height. As such, variations in height across the world indicate not only genetic differences, but also general differences in living standards.