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Definition of a Condition-Dependent Trait

Typically, traits such as our height and our eye, skin and hair color are genetically determined. Other traits such as our manner of speech, accents and reactions are largely condition-dependent. Condition-dependent traits are determined by environmental factors and influences other than genetics. Some traits are condition-dependent with a genetic component as well, such as our body weight as adults. Research indicates that the line between heritable and condition-dependent traits may not always be clear-cut and often work in tandem.

Manner of Speech
- We tend to acquire the accent of those we grow up with.
  
  Present environment, the way we were raised, our diet or other controllable factors form the body of condition-dependent traits. Our accents are often acquired through association with others. An Asian person raised in Britain will likely have a strong British accent, whereas an Asian person raised in New York will likely acquire an accent peculiar to that region of the world, and so on. So, while there is a certain influence of genetics involved in our manner of speech, our accent is largely determined by our environment and considered to be a condition-dependent trait.
Duel Influence
- In the majority of cases, height is genetically determined and not condition-dependent.
  
  While height is typically genetically determined, weight is a condition-dependent trait with genetic pre-disposition and influences. You may have a predisposition towards being thin or overweight, but your diet and your level of physical activity has a stronger bearing on your weight as an adult.
Autism
- The way we express emotion is a condition-dependent trait that may also be somewhat influenced by genetics.
  
  According to researchers from Standford University, "shared environment" plays an important role in the development of autism disorders in twins. While there is a genetic component in the development of autism, the study concludes that the "influence of the shared environment" and experiences in common, when considering the development of autism, may be underestimated and "important for future research paradigms." Traits associated with autism, then, may be considered to be both genetically-influenced and condition-dependent.
Mental Health
- Traits of specific mental health disorders are condition-dependent, with genetic pre-disposition.
  
  There seems to be a combination of factors involved in the acquiring of traits associated with mental health disorders. Joel Nigg, professor of psychology at Michigan State University, states concerning Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that what is inherited is "vulnerability, predisposition or susceptibility to the disorder," but that the acquiring of ADHD can be attributed to a wide range of environmental factors. Most research indicates that a combination of genetic pre-disposition and environmental factors contribute to traits associated with specific mental health disorders.

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