1. people who believe that heredity is the primary factor determining human traits, abilities, or behavior
Usage: academic; often used in debates about nature vs. nurture

Examples

• The hereditarians argued that intelligence is largely determined by genetic factors.
• Many hereditarians cite twin studies to support their theories.
• The debate between hereditarians and environmentalists continues in psychology.
• Some hereditarians believe that personality traits are inherited from parents.
• Critics argue that hereditarians underestimate the role of social factors.
• The hereditarians presented data showing genetic influences on behavior.