Inherited behaviors are behaviors that are passed down genetically. Our genes control things like our hair type and color, our eye color, and our height—but we don't usually think of them controlling our behavior. That's partly because most of our behaviors are learned, rather than inherited.

Is behavior learned or inherited?

Behavior is determined by a combination of inherited traits, experience, and the environment. Some behavior, called innate, comes from your genes, but other behavior is learned, either from interacting with the world or by being taught.

Can bad behavior be inherited?

Is bad behavior determined by a child's genes? A new study has found that a particular gene has some influence on whether or not adolescents show alarming behaviors—but only if their parents aren't keeping tabs on them. ... The researchers acquired DNA samples as well as reports about the kids' behavior over time.