Final answer:
Genes play a significant role in determining our height, but factors like nutrition can impact our ability to reach our full genetic potential.
Step-by-step explanation:
Genes play an important part in determining our adult height. However, factors such as poor nutrition can prevent us from achieving our full genetic potential. Both nature (i.e., genes) and nurture (e.g., nutrition, medications, and medical conditions) can influence height.
Genetic potential for height is largely influenced by an individual's genetic makeup. The primary factor that plays a crucial role in determining one's height is the combination of genes inherited from both parents. Human height is a polygenic trait, meaning it is influenced by multiple genes, each contributing a small effect.
While genetics is a major determinant of height, environmental factors also play a role, especially during the developmental years. Nutrition, health, and overall living conditions can impact an individual's growth potential. Adequate nutrition, proper healthcare, and a supportive environment during childhood and adolescence can help individuals reach their maximum genetic height potential.