New study reveals whether children inherit intelligence from mom or dad

Scientists have found that the sex of a child is determined by the father, or rather, by the type of chromosome he passes on to his offspring. At the same time, the child inherits intellectual abilities from the mother.

Studies show that the genes responsible for the development of intelligence are located in the X chromosome. Since women have two X chromosomes, they are more likely to pass these genes on to their children compared to men who have only one, City Magazine reports.

Studies conducted on mice showed that those that received an extra dose of the maternal gene had larger heads and brains, but smaller bodies. On the contrary, mice with the addition of paternal genes had smaller brains but larger bodies. This study demonstrates how inherited genetics affects brain development and cognitive function.

Scientists identified cells containing only maternal or only paternal genes in six different parts of the mouse brain that control various cognitive functions, from eating habits to memory. Cells with paternal genes are concentrated in parts of the limbic system, which is responsible for functions such as sex, eating, and aggression. However, no parental cells have been found in the cerebral cortex, where the most advanced cognitive processes such as thinking, language, and planning take place.

Studies have also shown that genetics is not the only factor that determines intelligence. Scientists estimate that only 40-60 percent of intelligence is hereditary, and the rest depends on the child's environment, upbringing, and experiences growing up.

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