News Life

Getting dissed could be partly genetic

In marmot social networks, victimization may be heritable

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Not to reopen any emotional scars from Thanksgiving dinner, but an unusual study of an animal social network suggests that ending up as the butt of unfriendly interactions could be in part inherited.

MARMOTBOOK In a study of the social networks of yellow-bellied marmots, it’s receiving rather than dishing out snubs or encouragement that has a genetic component, according to a new study.