Inferences Exercise 8

Read the following selection and answer each question.

Albert Einstein, a name connected to high intelligence, one of the greatest thinkers of all time, had a rather terrific brain. Einstein revolutionized our understanding of the physical universe and helped create a foundation for the nuclear age. His findings, especially his theory of relativity (E=mc2), have dramatically shown the power released in atomic explosions. With his great talent, he could have developed a "big head" and considered himself to be better than other less intelligent people. What gave Einstein his extraordinary thinking and analytical ability? Well, anatomical studies have shown that he did, indeed, possess a "big brain," one larger than the average person.

Recent research into the brains of about 100 normal people, along with that of Einstein, used measurements of various parts of the brains for comparative analysis. Although his brain did not differ in many respects from the other brains, including weight, it did differ in one of the critical measurements. Amazingly, Einstein's brain differed dramatically in size: it was 15 percent wider than the other brains. The mystery of the genius had been solved, or had it?

The researchers were quick to explain that, although the size of Einstein's brain certainly contributed to his exceptional genius, there are many other factors in the development of intelligence. Inherited intelligence is a key factor, but equally important is a nurturing and stimulating environment.