Behavioural phenotypes: a window onto the biology of behaviour

Many syndromes caused by genetic or chromosomal abnormalities are associated with characteristic behavioral patterns that may provide insights into the genetic basis of behavior. The biological basis of the behavioral phenotype may be elucidated by molecular analysis of the underlying genetic defect. Unfortunately, an association between the syndrome and the behavioral phenotype is difficult to establish due to the rarity of many of the syndromes and their complex genetic basis. However, animal studies show that a careful delineation of behavioral phenotypes can help in linking the genotype to the phenotype.