[Lily Bracegirdle]

Sorry abouy the W's, Carlas. I'm glad they didn't put you off reading the post. ^_^

Salocin, I completely agree that the tendency toward "Westernesse traits" is probably controlled by multiple genes, many of which wouldn't be dominant. I was just trying to make as simple an example as possible.

Lyra and Legolas, you both make interesting points. Some things (liking to read, for example) do seem too vague or complex to be controlled by single genes in an "on/off" sort of way. There obviously is no specific "like to read" gene, but there may be genes that interact to create a person who has a tendency to like reading. Like Legolas, I believe that nature and nurture both play roles in how people turn out.

Another point: Faramir and Boromir may not have really grown up in the same environment. Yes, they both grew up in Minas Tirith, but Boromir had his mother for longer and a loving father, whereas Faramir didn't. Plus, Boromir's love of combat may have prompted him to hang out with the Guard as a boy, whereas Faramir may have spent his days reading books with Gandalf. And don't forget that Faramir had a "bossy" big brother, while Boromir had a retiring little brother. For whatever reason, they turned out differently, which turned out to be a good thing for the Quest to destroy the Ring.

Cheers!

-Lily