Inherited and Learned Traits Study Guide UVES

Nick’s dog has short, brown fur and loves to fetch a ball. Which is a most

likely learned behavior in Nick’s dog?

• having brown fur

• having short fur

• fetching a ball

• barking

The image shows an Eastern gray squirrel.

Squirrels make sounds and distinct body movements when predators are nearby. Which question would help classify this behavior as an instinct or learned?

• A. Are squirrels good at communicating?

• B. How loud are the sounds made by squirrels?

• C. How many times a day do squirrels communicate?

• D. Are squirrels born with the ability to communicate effectively?

The picture shows a polar bear with her two cubs.

Which question can be asked to learn about an inherited physical trait of the polar bears?

• A. What do polar bears like to eat?

• B. Why do polar bears have sharp claws?

• C. How many polar bears are left in the wild?

• D. When do polar bears leave their mothers?

The chart shows physical characteristics of a family.

Which explains how Michael inherited his unattached earlobes?

• A. He inherited his unattached earlobes from his sister.

• B. He inherited his unattached earlobes from his mom.

• C. He inherited his unattached earlobes from his dad.

• D. He inherited his unattached earlobes from himself.

Which can be inherited from parents?

• fear of heights

• love of animals

• ability to read

• hair color

What is most likely the reason a brown dog has white puppies?

• Most puppies are born white then change color later.

• The father dog is white.

• Dogs are colored to camouflage.

• The mother dog wants white puppies.

Which is an inherited characteristic of a daisy?

• the amount of water it receives

• the amount of sunlight it receives

• the place where the daisy is planted

• the shape of the leaves on the plant

What can best be concluded about Gail’s characteristics?

• Gail inherited her likenesses from both her mother and father.

• Gail inherited her likenesses from her mother, father and sister.

• Gail inherited her likenesses from her father only.

• Gail inherited her likenesses fro her mother only.

Which is an instinctive behavior?

• a dog begging for food

• a chimpanzee using sign language

• a grasshopper rubbing its legs together to attract mates

• a cat using a litter box

A student observes a frog swimming in water.

Which question helps determine whether the behavior is an instinct or learned?

• A. Can the frog breathe in water?

• B. How did the frog learn to swim?

• C. How long can a frog stay underwater?

• D. Do all frogs have webbed feet to help them swim?