In the box, 'Jumping Genes' in Black Bodies, it is noted that much of the research devoted to identifying performance differences by skin color is based on the idea that

• A. Environment is unimportant
• B. Genes operate independently of the physical and social environment.
• C. Environment solely determines performance
• D. Genetics are irrelevant

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is that researchers sometimes treat genes as if they act completely apart from the physical and social environment. In studies that look for performance differences by skin color, there's a tendency to assume genes operate independently of training, resources, climate, nutrition, and social factors like access and discrimination. But in reality, environment and genetics interact to shape athletic outcomes—training quality, opportunities, stress, coaching, and even social conditions can influence how genetic potential is expressed. This explains why attributing performance differences purely to biology can be misleading. The other options misstate the relationship: treating the environment as unimportant ignores its real influence; saying the environment alone determines performance ignores genetic contributions; and claiming genetics are irrelevant contradicts the focus on genetic factors in these studies.