Hereditary Allegories : A Study in Genetics

Z : Harry's Mouse

Harry Harlow conducted a study into mammal psychology in the mid-twentieth century. He provided orphaned monkeys with two surrogate mothers. One mother was warm and comfortable, wrapped in terry cloth. However, it lacked any source of physical nourishment. The second mother was constructed from a cold and uncomfortable wire armature, but contained a steady supply of milk. Infant monkeys tended to spend their time with the warm yet foodless mother, even coming close to starvation as a result of their preference.

Modern researchers, attempting to further illuminate the Nature versus Nurture debate, have struggled to genetically remove the apparently mammalian need for warmth and comforting. Mouse Z has had a significant portion of its DNA removed, and shows no such need.

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Allegories