According to biologist Rupert Sheldrake, the primary morphic resonance working on individuals is from the collective memory of humans in general and specifically from people more similar to them within their families and social groups. Sheldrake also notes that heritability, once thought to be explained solely in terms of genes, is not solely down to genetics, but rather a complex interplay between genes and environment.
Suicidal tendencies may have deep roots in family history, with patterns emerging across generations. Exclusion or shame of a family member in the past may also affect present-day family dynamics.
The heritability of certain traits may be high when comparing parents and children, but in reality, a complex mathematical model will predict the actual percentage of heritability to be low.
Although it is widely accepted that heritability occurs from parent to child, the exact mechanism by which it occurs is still under debate in the world of biology.
The genes play a vital role in making the right proteins, but they do not express most hereditary traits such as migratory behavior, color patterns on feathers, shape, and instincts. According to Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, these traits depend on morphic resonance, which organizes forms and patterns.
The concept of morphic resonance involves the idea that some memories are inherent within fields or resonance that connect similar things. On the other hand, morphic fields are links between members of social groups through similarity.
The concept of morphic resonance suggests that we are more similar to ourselves in the past and to people who are similar to us in our families and social groups. This means that the primary morphic resonance working on us comes from the collective memory of humans and those who share similar traits with us.