Behavior Genetics Association

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The Behavior Genetics Association promotes research into the connection between heredity and behavior. Its science journal is titled Behavior Genetics, "the leading journal concerned with the genetic analysis of complex traits."

Found in 1970, the group's goal is "to promote scientific study of the interrelationship of genetic mechanisms and behavior, both human and animal; to encourage and aid the education and training of research workers in the field of behavior genetics; and to aid in the dissemination and interpretation to the general public of knowledge concerning the interrelationship of genetics and behavior, and its implications for health and human development and education."

[edit] Discoveries in Behavior Genetics

Since its founding, the Behavior Genetics Association has seen several links established between chromosomal polymorphisms and human behavior. One example would be the evidence linking D4DR (the elongated dopamine receptor) on chromosome 11 to "novelty seeking" or risk-like behavior. Although studies of this gene are not entirely conclusive, this polymorphism is one of the first genes that scientists have claimed and proven to be linked with behavior.