The Oldest Child Is Smarter and Here’s Why

Theories of birth order – hypotheses that character traits are based on where an individual falls within the lineup of siblings – have been around at least since Alfred Adler first proposed his ideas back in 1908.

A new study out shows that when it comes to intelligence, the oldest child has the upper hand. Laci Green explains what led researchers to this conclusion, and if younger siblings are really doomed to a life of mediocrity.