How is intelligence determined by the environment and genetics?

This paper examines the intricate relationship between intelligence, genetics, and the environment, emphasizing how external factors and hereditary traits influence cognitive abilities. Intelligence is typically defined as the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills, with its heritability shaped by genetic and environmental influences. The research reviews various studies that underscore the role of genetics in intelligence, including the significance of polygenic scores and behavioural genetics in predicting cognitive outcomes. Furthermore, it explores how environmental factors such as socioeconomic status, educational opportunities, and family dynamics contribute to the development of intelligence, especially during critical developmental periods. The paper also discusses the contentious interaction between genetic inheritance and environmental variability, positing that both elements collaborate in shaping intelligence. While genetics seems to have a more predominant impact as individuals grow older, environmental stimulation can boost the potential for intellectual advancement, highlighting the necessity of a cognitively stimulating environment for optimizing genetic capabilities. Ultimately, this study seeks to offer a nuanced perspective on intelligence as a result of both inherited and environmental factors, illuminating the complexities of this ongoing discourse in behavioral science. Keywords: COVID-19, Trauma, Continuous Traumatic Stress (CTS) Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Pandemic, Mental health, Cumulative trauma, Eating behaviors.