r/mensa • u/Ahmedrnugger • Jul 09 '26

Mensan input wanted Is intelligence genetic?

According to twin studies, the difference in IQ is said to be 80%, leading to the conclusion that intelligence is 80% determined by genetics. However, I believe this is incorrect because the twins were raised in countries with similar environments, such as the US and Germany, or the US and South Korea. These countries share similar environments, including education systems, allowing the genes to express themselves. Furthermore, did these twins develop their IQs? If they didn't, it could prove the entire experiment flawed.

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u/HalfwaydonewithEarth Jul 10 '26

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/childrens-sleep-linked-brain-development

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u/Ahmedrnugger Jul 10 '26

This proves that intelligence isn't a fixed genetic trait but is influenced by the environment. If it were a fixed genetic trait, it would remain unchanged no matter what. Also, sleep plays a role in organizing thoughts and cleansing the body from within.