Research undertaken on rats may suggest that aggression in males is controlled by genes. Scientists at the University of Akron, Ohio, US, say that the male Y chromosome contains genes that reduce levels of the mood-controlling chemical serotonin when stimulated, whilst at the same time increasing levels of the hormone testosterone.
Led by Dr Jonathon Toot, the scientists found that the result of this chemical change was aggression. Experiments were done with rats in which some 'intruder' rats were introduced into an established colony. The male intruders were attacked but female rats neither carried out attacks or were victims.
Sources and References
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Male violence blamed on genes
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Men are born fighters
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