Genetics: Human Behavior Is The Response of Individuals or Groups of

Human behavior
is the response of individuals or groups of humans to internal and external stimuli.

It refers to the array of every physical action and observable emotion associated with individuals, as
well as the human race. While specific traits of one's personality and temperament may be more
consistent, other behaviors will change as one moves from birth through adulthood. In addition to
being dictated by age and genetics, behavior, driven in part by thoughts and feelings, is an insight
into individual psyche, revealing among other things attitudes and values. Social behavior, a subset
of human behavior, study the considerable influence of social interaction and culture. Additional
influences include ethics, social environment, authority, persuasion and coercion.
The behavior of humans (and other organisms or even mechanisms) falls within a range with some
behavior being common, some unusual, some acceptable, and some beyond acceptable limits.
In sociology, behavior in general includes actions having no meaning, being not directed at other
people, and thus all basic human actions. Behavior in this general sense should not be mistaken
with social behavior, which is a more advanced social action, specifically directed at other people.
The acceptability of behavior depends heavily upon social norms and is regulated by various means
of social control. Human behavior is studied by the social sciences, which
include psychology, sociology, economics, and anthropology.
Behavior changes throughout an individual’s life, as they move through different stages of life. For
example, adolescence, parenthood and retirement. Human behavior is shaped by psychological
traits. For example, extraverted people are more likely to introverted people to participate in social
activities like parties.[1] Personality traits vary from person to person and can produce different
actions or behavior from each person. Social norms also impact behavior. Due to the inherently
conformist nature of human society in general, humans are pressured into following certain rules and
displaying certain behaviors in society, which conditions the way people behave. Different behaviors
are deemed to be either acceptable or unacceptable in different societies and cultures.
Genetics
Main article: Behavioral genetics
Long before Charles Darwin published his book On the Origin of Species in 1858, animal breeders
knew that patterns of behavior are somehow influenced by inheritance from parents. Studies of
identical twins as compared to less closely related human beings, and of children brought up in
adoptive homes, have helped scientists understand the influence of genetics on human behavior.
The study of human behavioral genetics is still developing steadily with new methods such as
genome-wide association studies.[2] Evolutionary psychology studies human behavior as the product
of natural selection. Human psychology and behavior is shaped by our evolutionary past. According
to evolutionary psychology, humans try to increase their social status as much as possible. This
increases their chances of reproductive success. They may do this by fighting, amassing wealth or
helping others with their problems.
Social norms
Main article: Norm (social)
Social norms, the often-unspoken rules of a group, shape not just our behaviors but also our
attitudes. An individual’s behavior varies depending on the group(s) they are a part of, a
characteristic of society that allows their norms to heavily impact society. Without social norms,
human society would not function as it currently does; humans would have to be more abstract in
their behavior, as there would not be a pre-tested 'normal' standardized lifestyle, and individuals
would have to make many more choices for themselves. The institutionalization of norms is,
however, inherent in human society perhaps as a direct result of the desire to be accepted by others,
which leads humans to manipulate their own behavior in order to 'fit in' with others. Depending on
their nature and upon one's perspective, norms can impact different sections of society both
positively (e.g. attending birthday celebrations, dressing warm in the winter) and negatively (e.g.
racism, drug use).
Creativity
Main article: Creativity
Creativity is a fundamental human trait. It can be seen in tribes' adaptation of natural objects to make
tools, and in the uniquely human pursuits of art and music. The creative impulse explains the
constant change in fashion, technology and food in modern society. People use creative endeavors
like art and literature to distinguish themselves within their social group. They also use their creativity
to make money and persuade others of the value of their ideas.
Religion and spirituality
Another important aspect of human behavior is religion and spirituality. According to a Pew
Research Center report, 54% of adults around the world state that religion is very important in their
lives.[3] Religion plays a large role in the lives of many people around the world, and it affects their
behavior towards others.[4]. For example, one of the five pillars of Islam is Zakat. This is the practice
whereby Muslims who can afford to are required to donate 2.5% of their wealth to those in need.
[5]
Many religious people regularly attend services with other members of their religion. They may
take part in religious rituals, and festivals like Diwali and Easter.
Attitude
Main article: Attitude (psychology)
An attitude is an expression of favor or disfavor toward a person, place, thing, or event;[6] it alters
between each individual. Everyone has a different attitude towards different things. A main factor
that determines attitude is likes and dislikes. The more one likes something or someone the more
one is willing to open up and accept what they have to offer. When one doesn't like something, one
is more likely to get defensive and shut down. An example of how one's attitude affects one's human
behavior could be as simple as taking a child to the park or to the doctor. Children know they have
fun at the park so their attitude becomes willing and positive, but when a doctor is mentioned, they
shut down and become upset with the thought of pain. Attitudes can sculpt personalities and the way
people view who we are. People with similar attitudes tend to stick together as interests and hobbies
are common. This does not mean that people with different attitudes do not interact, the fact is they
do. What it means is that specific attitudes can bring people together (e.g., religious groups).
Attitudes have a lot to do with the mind which highly relates to human behavior. The way a human
behaves depends a lot on how they look at the situation and what they expect to gain from it.[7]
Weather and climate

The weather and the climate have a significant influence on human behavior. The average
temperature of a country affects its traditions and people's everyday routines. For example, Spain
used to be a primarily agrarian country, with much of its labour force working in the fields. Spaniards
developed the tradition of the siesta, an after lunch nap, to cope with the intense midday heat. The
siesta persists despite the increased use of air conditioning, and the move from farming to office
jobs. However, it is less common today than in the past.[8] Norway is a northern country with cold
average temperatures and short hours of daylight in winter. This has shaped its lunchtime habits.
Norwegians have a fixed half an hour lunch break. This enables them to go home earlier, with many
leaving work at three o'clock in the afternoon. This allows them to make the most of the remaining
daylight.[9] There is a correlation between higher temperatures and increased levels of violent crime.
There are number of theories for why this is. One theory is that people are more inclined to go
outside during warmer weather, and this increases the number of opportunities for criminals. Another
is that high temperatures cause a physiological response that increases people's irritability, and
therefore their likeliness to escalate perceived slights into violence. [10][11] There is some research
detailing that changes in the weather can affect the behavior of children.[12]
Developing Questions.
How does the social environment affect human behavior?
What do you mean by environment?

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Human behavior

is the response of individuals or groups of humans to internal and external stimuli.

Weather and climate

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