Multiple studies suggest that children inherit their intelligence from their moms

The never-ending battle of moms and dads ‘arguing’ from whom did their kids get their intelligence from is finally over! Based on various research works, children inherit their intelligence from their mom.

Science says that women are more likely to transmit intelligence to their children, more than men, because intelligence genes are carried on the X chromosome, and women happen to have two of this.

In addition, according to a separate study, we have genes that are known as conditioned genes. This kind of gene works depending on their origin. Meaning to say, they function with a biochemical tag which allows their origin to be traced; it even shows whether the conditioned genes are active or inactive within the descendant cells.

Thus, we have genes that only work if they originated from our mother, just like how we have genes that are only activated if it came from our father.

According to a research conducted at the University of Cambridge, researchers created embryos of rats that only had either the genes of the mother or of the father. When the synthetic embryos were transferred to the uterus of an adult rat, the embryos died.

The researchers conducted another experiment, this time, they did not manipulate normal embryonic cells and manipulated the rest. They created numerous genetically modified laboratory mice that did not develop the same way.

Apparently, those with an extra dose of maternal genes developed a bigger head and brain. Yet, they developed small bodies. On the other hand, those supplied with an excess dose of paternal genes developed smaller brains and larger bodies.

The researchers also probed more and further analyzed how different the maternal and paternal genes work. According to the findings of the study,  maternal genes accumulate in the cerebral cortex. This is where we develop cognitive functions such as intelligence, thought, language, and planning.

Meanwhile, paternal genes accumulate in the limbic system. The limbic system ensures our survival and is responsible for our biological needs such as, sex and food. Paternal genes also accumulate in the emotional centers of the brain, namely the hypothalamus, amygdala, preoptic area and the septum.

In another research conducted by a scientist named Robert Lehrke, it was discovered that a child’s intelligence depends on the X chromosome. And since women have two X chromosomes, then they are twice as likely to transmit intelligence genes to their children rather than men.

Interestingly, another research conducted by the Medical Research Council Social and Public Health Sciences Unit in Glasgow, Scotland shows that the best predictor of a child’s intelligence is the IQ of their mother.

In their study which involved 12,686 young people between the ages of 14 and 22, each participants were interviewed every year since 1994. The researchers took other factors such as skin color, educational attainment, and socio-economic status of each participants. Surprisingly, according to the result of their gathered data, the participants’ IQ result is only an average of 15 points higher from that of their mothers. Thus they believe that a mother’s IQ can predict how intelligent a child can be.

Aside from genetics, the researchers from University of Minnesota discovered that mother plays an important role in the intellectual development of children through physical and emotional contact. Their study shows how important a strong and secure bond between a mother and a child is in the development of the cognitive functions of a child.

Apparently, those who have a strong bond with their mothers are better at solving complex symbolic games and show less frustration while problem solving.

Science says this is because a strong bond gives children the security they need to explore and boost their confidence in solving problems without losing their self-esteem. In addition, mothers who have a strong bond with their children give a higher level of support to the children which is vital in further stimulating their potential.

In a separate study conducted in the University of Washington, researchers analyzed the relationship of a mother with their children for seven years. The study shows that when mothers are emotionally supportive and attentive to their child’s intellectual and emotional needs, the hippocapmus of kids at age 13 s greater 10% greater than those whose mothers were emotionally distant. The hippocampus is the region of the brain associated with memory, learning, and stress response.

Fathers out there should not be discouraged though. Because although it is important for a child to grow up into a smart adult, their emotional health should not be forgotten as well. After all, people need not only be smart but emotionally strong as well to be able to survive the challenges life will throw at  him.

How do you feel about the findings of the multiple studies mentioned above? Share your thoughts below the comment section!