8.1.4 Inherited Traits

Inherited Traits

8.1.4

Objectives

Learners can:

• define inherited traits and acquired traits

• identify examples of inherited traits in humans and other organisms

• describe the process of passing inherited traits from one generation to the next

• allele

• chromosome

• DNA

• gene

• inherit

Prerequisite Vocab

• none!

New Vocab

Vocabulary

Match

Match the vocabulary word to its definition.

• gene

• allele

• inherit

• chromosome

• DNA

segment of DNA that codes for a trait

version of a gene

receive from parents

structure in the nucleus that has DNA

carry info about how organisms function

• segment of DNA that codes for a trait

• version of a gene

• receive from parents

• structure in the nucleus that has DNA

• carry info about how organisms function

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• characteristics that an organism develops in its lifetime

• the ability to get a deep tan, being a skilled piano player, reciting your times tables quickly

Acquired/Learned

• passed down through genetics

• ex. eye color, hair color, blood type, etc.

Inherited

Inherited vs. Acquired Traits

Categorize

Options (4)

freckles/no freckles

earlobe shape

speaking a second language

reading skills

Which characteristics are examples of inherited traits, and which are acquired traits?

Inherited Traits

Acquired/Learned Traits

Open Ended

Now think about your own characteristics. What is one inherited trait and what acquired trait that you have? Remember inherited is passed on through genetics whereas acquired/learned are traits that you pick up on throughout your life.

Why Not Both?

Did you notice that there are some traits that can be both inherited and acquired? For example, your height. You can get your height through your genetics but it can also be influenced by proper nutrition. Maybe your family is really good at sports. This can also be a case of both inherited and acquired traits. Your genetics may allow you to have a strong heart and good cardio while also having to train yourself to run for long distances.

​You either have A, B, AB, or O blood type. It also may be + or -.Your blood type is a result of your parent's blood type. Your blood types may be the same or different depending on which alleles you receive.

Blood Type

Freckles are small pigmented spots on your skin. You may have freckles permanently, or you might see them poke through if you've been in the sun.

Freckles

If you can make your tongue into the shape of a hot dog, congrats, you have the tongue-rolling trait! Believe it or not, this is also genetic.

Tongue Rolling

​Inherited Trait Examples

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes an inherited trait?

• a trait acquired through learning and experience

• a trait that is passed down from one generation to the next through genetics

• a trait that can be acquired through environmental factors

How Traits are Passed On From One Generation to the Next

DNA carries our genetic information. It is organized into genes that code for specific traits. When an organism reproduces, it creates a copy of its DNA for the offspring.

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DNA

Chromosomes are long thread-like structures in the nucleus that contain DNA. Humans have 46 chromosomes arranged into 23 pairs. One chromosome in each pair comes from the mom, the other from the dad.

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Chromosomes

Multiple Choice

Scientists studying rabbits in a controlled lab environment notice that some rabbits have long ears and others have short ears.

Each generation of rabbits shows some offspring are born with long ears and some have short ears.

The scientists also noticed that ear length in rabbit offspring seems to be similar to the parents.

What conclusion can scientists draw from these observations?

• ear length is determined by the rabbits' diet

• ear length is a result of a combination of inherited genes

• ear length is an acquired trait

• emphasizes the role of the environment/upbringing in shaping who someone becomes

• behavior is more influenced by family, education, and culture

Nuture

• suggests that genes inherited from parents play a role in determining characteristics like eye color, health conditions, etc.

Nature

Nature vs. Nurture