The income per capita in Phoenix is 16% lower than the national average. The median household income in Phoenix is 12% lower than the national average. Male median earnings are 41% higher than female median earnings. The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 11% higher than the national average. The poverty level in Phoenix is 49% higher than the national average.
One major internal environmental influence that affects gene expression is gender, as is the case with sex-influenced and sex-limited traits. Similarly, drugs, chemicals, temperature, and light are among the external environmental factors that can determine which genes are turned on and off, thereby influencing the way an organism develops and functions.
It is also important to remember that genes are not a steadfast blueprint for heredity. Genes are actually quite active throughout our lives, switching their expression on and off in response to the environment and experience. Environmental factors can affect and alter gene expression, while our genes can define how we respond to different environments.