What we know of channeling from a genetic stand point:-

 

A - It is a recessive gene (mentioned in the guide).

RJ has also denigrated the Guide as "inaccurate in some places".

B - There are many different genes defining channeling abilities

Source plz?

 

It's possible that Galad can be taught, but I agree that if he's subconsciously channeling in that scene, it's a BIG change in his behavior. It would explain some of his uncanny swordsmanship, but I think he's just That Good (in every blasted sense of the word).

Well, both make sense, the fact that it is a recessive gene and the fact that there are multiple genes linked to channeling ability.

If it were a dominant gene, then that would mean there would be tons more channelers than there currently are. Or at the very least, that any man/woman with the ability to channel to any degree would be most likely pass on that ability to his children.

The second assumption, that there are multiple genes, is just that, an assumption based on knowing that there are multiple different 'levels' of channeling. If only one gene regulated channeling, then by definition, anyone who can channel would have the exact same potential. We know that this is not so.

A study of genetics - or how it's very unlikely that Galad can channel

What we know of channeling from a genetic stand point:-

A - It is a recessive gene (mentioned in the guide).

B - There are many different genes defining channeling abilities, so it's akin to height or skin tone (this can be safely assumed since not all channelers have the same strength, and the channeling does not manifest in the same way).

C - None of the genes involved in channeling are linked to the sex chromosomes (this assumption is based on the number of channelers. If even one gene is linked to the female sex chromosome (the X) then any channeler will always bear male and female channelers -so technically, any wilder female will bear children who can channel, regardless of them being male or female, and that any female who isn't a channeler, but carries a channeler gene, will have about 50% of her sons able to channel and if her partner is a channeler, then also 50% of her daughters will have the ability to channel).

These above assumptions are based on the fact that only one gene from the genetic pool is needed to channel to any degree, and that it is linked to the sex chromosome. Judging by the numbers, then channelers during the Age of Legends will be more numerous. Judging by these numbers, then any wilder present in the current age would produce an extraordinary amount of sons who could channel -even to a minor degree-.

So judging by that, we can safely assume that there are no genes associated with channeling present on sex chromosomes. Thus, the chances of Galad being able to channel would be extremely low.

As for the description in the book, Lan is the same way. The oneness isn't a channeler technique, it's a meditative one that introduces calm, which would then allow one to reach for saidin/saidar.