Unit 8 Nature and NurtureTwins, Genes, and EnvironmentHeredity or environment: which is stronger? The potentials which a person is born with determine in some way what he will do in life. Therefore heredity is fate, a kind of predestination. However, genes do not work in a vacuum; as soon as we begin considering the role that they play in the development of the individual, we see that there can be no development without the interacting environment. No characteristic is caused exclusively by either environment or genes.The relative effects of heredity and environment are most clearly observable in identical twins. Most identical twins are raised together and are remarkably alike in both appearance and behavior. These cases demonstrate that individuals with the same genes, when raised in the same environment, will respond to it in much the same way. They do not indicate what would happen if these identical individuals were raised separately.A number of studies have been made of identical twins raised apart. The twins who were the subjects of these studies lived in America, were raised in much the same physical environments, and experienced much the same nutritional histories. Therefore, as one might expect, they maintained the closest resemblance to each other in physical appearance, height, and weight. Exceptions occurred when one twin had developed a rather severe illness and the other had not; but on the whole everyone is impressed by the great psychological and physical likenesses that exist between identical twins, even those who have been separated from infancy.In a study of nineteen sets of twins who had been separated from birth, investigators found that in approximately two thirds of the sets there were no more significant differences than existed among unseparated pairs of twins. This strongly suggests the power of the genes and the limitation of the effect of environment. However, it must be remembered that, although the identical twins who were studied lived in different families far removed from each other, the environments in those families were not, on the whole, substantially different. Usually every effort would be made to put each child in a home with a background similar to that of its own family, and therefore it should not be surprising to find that the twins developed similarly. But in those cases in which there had been a greater difference in the environments of the separated twins, the differences between the twins were more substantial. The following case illustrates what happens to identical twins when they are brought up in contrasting environments.Gladys and Helen were born in a small Ohio town and were separated at about eighteen months of age. They did not meet again until they were twenty-eight years old. Helen had been adopted twice. Her first foster parents had proved to be unstable, and Helen had been returned to the orphanage after a couple of years; after several months she was again adopted, by a farmer and his wife who lived in southeastern Michigan. This was her home for the next twenty-five years. Her second foster-mother, though she had had few educational advantages herself, was determined that Helen should receive a good education; Helen eventually graduated from college, taught school for twelve years, married at twenty-six, and had a daughter.Gladys was adopted by a Canadian railroad conductor and his wife. When she was in the third grade, the family moved to a rather isolated part of the Canadian Rockies, where there were no schools, and Gladys' formal education came to an end, and was not resumed until the family moved to Ontario. She stayed at home and did housework until she was seventeen, and then went to work in a knitting mill. She went to Detroit at nineteen, got a job, and married when she was twenty-one.Helen had been healthier than Gladys, in childhood and adulthood, but other than that, their environments had been very similar except for their educations. Their weight, height, hair color, and teeth were very similar. The differences that distinguished them were obviously associated with the different social lives they had led.Helen was confident, graceful, made the most of her personal appearance, and showed considerable polish and ease in social relationships. Gladys was shy, self-conscious, quiet and without charming or graceful manners. A scientist who studied them remarked, "As an advertisement for a college education the contrast between these two twins should be quite effective."Considering the nature of their environmental experiences, the differences in Helen and Gladys are not surprising. Since psychological traits depend so much upon experience, it is to be expected that they will reflect it. On the other hand, traits that are not liable to be influenced by the environment are more likely to exhibit a high degree of similarity in identical twins. Important as they are, genes alone are never absolutely responsible for any trait. What we can do is set by the genes, but what we actually do is largely determined by the environment.基因、环境与双胞胎遗传与环境究竟哪一个影响更大呢？从某种程度上讲，一个人生来具有的潜力将决定他一生的作为。
以自然为题的英语作文初中Title: The Magic of NatureNature is a wonderful creation that surrounds us everywhere. It's full of life and beauty, offering us countless wonders to explore and appreciate.Walking in the woods, one can hear the rustling of leaves and the singing of birds. The sun filters through the canopy, casting dappled light on the ground. The air is fresh and filled with the scent of earth and flowers. It's a peaceful and serene place that helps us forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.At the beach, the vastness of the ocean stuns us into silence. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore is like a symphony of nature. The sand beneath our feet feels soft and warm. We can watch the sunset, seeing the sky turn from blue to orange and then to a deep purple.Nature also teaches us valuable lessons. It teaches us to appreciate the small things in life, to be grateful for what we have, and to respect all forms of life.In conclusion, nature is a source of inspiration and joy. It's a reminder of the beauty and harmony that exists in the world. Let us cherish it and protect it for future generations to enjoy.译文：自然的魔力自然是一个围绕在我们四周的奇妙创造。
Being in touch with nature is an essential part of life that many people often overlook in the hustle and bustle of modern society. As a middle school student, I have had the opportunity to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature firsthand, and I believe it has a profound impact on our wellbeing.
One of the most memorable experiences I had was during a school trip to a nearby national park. The park was a vast expanse of greenery, with towering trees that seemed to touch the sky and a variety of wildlife that roamed freely. As we walked along the trails, the sounds of the city faded away, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the melodious chirping of birds.
The fresh air and the serene atmosphere helped me to clear my mind and focus on the simple joys of life. I felt a sense of peace and tranquility that I had never experienced before. It was as if the worries and stresses of everyday life melted away, leaving me with a renewed sense of energy and vitality.
Nature,with its myriad wonders,is a testament to the resilience and vitality that exists within our world.The cycle of life and rejuvenation is a phenomenon that never ceases to amaze us,and it is a theme that can be beautifully captured in an English essay. Here is a detailed composition that reflects on the revival of natures vibrancy.As the winters chill gradually recedes,the world around us begins to stir.The first signs of spring are subtle,yet they herald a profound transformation.The once dormant earth awakens,and with it,the flora and fauna that call it home.This is the time when nature regains its vitality,a spectacle that is as aweinspiring as it is humbling.The air,crisp and cool,carries the scent of renewal.The sun,no longer a distant,cold orb, warms the land with its golden embrace.The days grow longer,and with the extended daylight,the seeds that have been patiently waiting underground begin to sprout.The soil, rich and dark,cradles the new life,providing the nourishment necessary for growth.Tiny shoots push through the earth,their green tips reaching towards the sky,a symbol of hope and potential.The trees,once bare and skeletal,are now adorned with the first buds of spring.The delicate leaves unfurl,their vibrant hues painting the landscape with a palette of fresh, lively colors.The branches,once stark against the winter sky,are now a canvas for the returning birds.They build their nests,a testament to the cycle of life that continues unabated.The rivers and streams,once frozen and silent,now sing with the joy of flowing water. The ice that had imprisoned them for months melts away,releasing the water to meander through the countryside.The sound of the water is a symphony of life,a reminder that the world is alive and thriving.The wildlife,too,emerges from its winter slumber.The animals that had retreated to the safety of their burrows or migrated to warmer climates return.The forests echo with the calls of birds,the rustling of leaves as deer forage for food,and the gentle hum of insects as they go about their daily routines.In the gardens,the flowers bloom,their petals a feast for the eyes and a treat for the bees. The air is thick with the fragrance of blossoms,a sweet perfume that is as intoxicating as it is invigorating.The flowers,in their myriad forms and colors,are a testament to the diversity and beauty of nature.As the seasons progress,the landscape continues to evolve.The summer brings with it a lushness that is almost overwhelming.The trees are now fully clothed in their verdant attire,their leaves a rich,deep green.The grasses sway in the breeze,their tips heavy with the weight of their seeds.The fields are a sea of golden wheat,a promise of the harvest to come.The cycle of life is a continuous one,and with each passing season,nature renews itself. The autumn brings with it the colors of the harvest,the leaves turning to hues of red, orange,and yellow before they fall,leaving the trees bare once more.The winter,with its cold and quiet,is a time of rest and reflection,a prelude to the rebirth that will come with the spring.In this everchanging world,it is easy to take for granted the beauty and vitality that surrounds us.But when we pause to observe the natural world,we are reminded of the delicate balance that exists.The revival of nature is not just a physical transformation it is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of our role in preserving it.As we move through the seasons,we are reminded of the resilience of nature.Despite the harshness of winter,the world around us finds a way to thrive.The revival of nature is a testament to the enduring spirit of life,a reminder that no matter how bleak things may seem,there is always hope for renewal and growth.It is a lesson that we,as inhabitants of this planet,can learn from and strive to emulate in our own lives.。
