In the study of human genetics, Gao Erdun was the first to notice the difference and connection between "innate" and "acquired", and initiated the twin method in 1875. It is generally believed that identical twins or identical twins have the same genotype, and the difference between identical twins is attributed to the influence of intrauterine or postnatal environment; The genotypes of fraternal twins or fraternal twins are inherently different, and the differences between twins are both genetic and environmental. By comparing the similarities and differences between twins and studying the effects of heredity and environment on individual phenotype, the twin method has become a classic method in human genetics research.

Gao Erdun. Inspired by the work of animal and plant breeders to shape the physical structure of future generations, this paper puts forward a plan to transform human physical structure and even spiritual characteristics. Although the idea of eugenics can be found in many ancient civilizations, this name was formally put forward by Gao Erdun in 1883's Study on Human Talent and Its Development. He coined the new word "eugenics" to express a social plan in which natural selection was replaced by conscious human selection. His definition of this subject is: "under the control of society, study all kinds of motives that can transform or damage the racial quality of future generations from the physical or intellectual aspects." Gao Erdun wrote many papers and monographs to explain his thoughts. With great enthusiasm, he actively suggested that the fertility situation of different social classes in ancient and modern countries should be extensively investigated, the reasons why some families are so prosperous should be found out, various factors affecting the marital status of human beings should be thoroughly studied, genetic knowledge should be popularized, and the significance of prenatal and postnatal care should be publicized to the whole people. 1904, Gao Erdun gave a lecture on eugenics at the University of London. 1908, Gao Erdun initiated the establishment of the British eugenics education society and published the eugenics review, which made eugenics spread internationally. 19 12, the first year after Gao Erdun's death, the first international eugenics conference was held in London, and Gao Erdun's ideal finally developed into an international scientific and social activity.

No matter in anthropological measurement, experimental psychology research or genetic eugenics research, Gao Erdun fully relied on data analysis and made a lot of calculations and statistics. In his most proud words, it is "count when you can count." Therefore, introducing statistical methods into the fields related to life and social phenomena is another important scientific contribution of his.

Gao Erdun's greatest contribution to statistics is the concept of correlation and the establishment of regression analysis methods. He is known as the founder of modern regression and related technologies. All the achievements in this field were later summarized in the book Nature Genetics (1889).