Animals: Inherited vs. Learned

Which of these is an inherited behavior?

• a seal balancing a ball
• a dog getting the newspaper
• a spider spinning a web
• an ape using sign language

The picture shows a kitten with its parents.  Why does the kitten appear to be different from either parent?

• The kitten did not have the proper nutrition during development.
• The kitten gets half its traits from both parents, and this creates variety.
• The kitten has a disease that makes it look different from its parents.
• The kitten is not fully grown and will soon look identical to one of the parents.

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NGSS.MS-LS3-2

Which statement best describes a learned characteristic in a dog? 

• a dog has floppy ears
• A dog has a dark coat
• A dog pants to cool itself on a hot day
• A dog scratches at a door to go outside.

A bird eats a brightly-colored insect that tastes bad. The bird avoids preying on this type of insect again. This example is best described as

• a physical characteristic.
• a learned behavior.
• an inherited behavior.
• an adaptation.

A  dog rolls over and receives a treat. The dog rolls over again. This is an example of

• inherited trait
• adaptive behavior
• learned behavior
• instinctive behavior 

Which characteristic will a baby chimpanzee inherit from its parents?

• fur color
• hunting skills
• feeding behavior
• sleeping routine

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which physical characteristic of a puppy is most likely inherited from its parents?

• desire to play
• coat color
• body weight
• ability to follow commands

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which of these behaviors did a bear most likely learn from living in its environment?

• drinking water
• eating fish
• opening garbage can lids
• protecting its young

Which trait does a puppy inherit from its parents?

• affection for a specific home
• food brand preferences
• obedience to commands
• fur color and pattern

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Hawks have sharp claws called talons that help them capture prey. Talons are best described as

• an inherited trait
• a genetic mutation
• a behavioral adaptation 
• an acquired characteristic

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4