Animal Behavior and Characteristics Unit 23

Front

What is an inherited characteristic?

Back

A trait or feature that is passed down from parents to offspring, such as a giraffe's long neck.

Front

What is an acquired characteristic?

Back

A trait that an organism develops during its lifetime, which is not passed to offspring, like a Doberman's clipped ears.

Front

What is an observation in science?

Back

A statement based on what one sees or measures, such as a giant anteater consuming 35,000 ants.

Front

What is an inference in science?

Back

A conclusion drawn from observations, not directly observed, like predicting animal behavior.

Front

What is behavior in animals?

Back

The actions or reactions of an animal in response to external or internal stimuli, such as building nests.

Front

What is a physical characteristic?

Back

A trait that describes the physical features of an organism, like an owl's ability to turn its neck 360 degrees.

Front

What is the difference between inherited and acquired characteristics?

Back

Inherited characteristics are genetic traits passed from parents, while acquired characteristics are developed through experience.

Front

Can acquired characteristics be passed to offspring?

Back

No, acquired characteristics cannot be passed to offspring; only inherited characteristics can.

Front

Give an example of a behavior in animals.

Back

Birds building nests using twigs and scraps.

Front

What is the significance of a giraffe's long neck?

Back

It allows giraffes to reach food in tall trees, which is an inherited characteristic.