Wizardling Genetics

[Bruce Alan Wilson]

No: HPFGUIDX 146508

My knowledge of genetics is rather sketchy, but I don't think from what we have
seen that wizardry is a matter of a single gene; it is a complex of genes.

Mr. Filch and Mrs. Figg can see spirits and sense magical energies and use
magical artifacts (which Muggles can't do), but they can't manipulate them as
full wizards can. Then there are special magical abilities like being a Seer, an
Animagus, or a Metamorphomagus; it seems that one either can or can't do these
things--training may enable one to do them better, but if one hasn't the basic
ability, all the training in the world won't do any good.  Hence, there seem to
be three components:

1. The ability to sense magical energies;
2. The ability to manipulate magical energies;
3. Specialized magical abilities.

If one has 1 & 2, one is a wizard; if one has 1 or 3 (or both?) without 2, one
is a Squib. (Or that is how I read it.)

Now, it seems that none of these three things are controlled by just one
gene--several people have pointed out that there are several things we have seen
in the background of the stories contraindicates this.  Hence, a combination of
genes seems to be the solution.  It would explain why, for example, a family can
go for generations--to the point where any wizardling heritage is
forgotten--before it produces a witch/wizard, and why wizards and witches who
marry other wizards/witches seldom produce children without some magical
ability.

On the other hand, as few if any Wizards know enough about Muggle science to
investigate the matter properly, it will have to be a mystery.  In any case,
when JKR said that wizardry was 'dominant', I'm sure she didn't mean it in the
technical sense that biologists mean it.

Bruce Alan Wilson


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