Which one of the following statements is true about the role of heredity and environment?

The correct answer is Certain aspects of development are influenced more by heredity and others more by environment.

Human development is a complex process result of continuous interaction between heredity (nature) and environment (nurture). Neither factor operates in complete isolation.

Detailed Explanation:

1. Heredity (Nature): Refers to the genetic transmission of traits from parents to offspring. Characteristics such as physical appearance, eye color, height, temperament, and certain physiological traits are heavily influenced by genetics.
2. Environment (Nurture): Refers to the external conditions, experiences, education, nutrition, and cultural context surrounding an individual. Aspects like language acquisition, social behaviors, values, and specific skills are predominantly shaped by environmental factors.
3. Interplay of both: Development is dynamic. While genetics provides the potential or baseline capacity, the environment determines how fully that potential is realized. Different domains of development (physical, cognitive, emotional, social) show varying degrees of influence from genetic endowment versus environmental exposure.

Why other options are incorrect:

- "A child's ability to learn and perform is completely decided by the genes." – Incorrect because learning and performance are strongly influenced by environmental opportunities, schooling, and practice.
- "Good care and a nutritious diet can fight off any disorder a child is born with." – Incorrect because certain severe genetic disorders cannot be completely cured solely through nutrition or care.
- "Environment plays a significant role only in the child's language development." – Incorrect because environment plays a vital role across all domains of development, including emotional, social, and moral development, not just language.