Genetics

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What is an inherited trait?

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An inherited trait is a characteristic that is passed from parents to their offspring through genes. Examples include eye color, hair color, and freckles.

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What is a learned behavior?

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A learned behavior is a characteristic that is acquired through experience or environment, rather than being inherited. An example is the language you speak.

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What is a pedigree chart?

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A pedigree chart is a diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a particular gene or organism and its ancestors.

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What does it mean if a trait is dominant?

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A dominant trait is one that will appear in the offspring if one of the parents contributes it. It can mask the presence of a recessive trait.

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What does it mean if a trait is recessive?

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A recessive trait is one that will only appear in the offspring if both parents contribute it. It can be masked by a dominant trait.

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What is an example of an instinctive behavior?

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An instinctive behavior is a natural behavior that an animal is born with, such as a male grasshopper rubbing its legs together to attract a female.

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What is the difference between inherited and acquired traits?

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Inherited traits are passed down from parents to offspring through genes, while acquired traits are learned or developed through experience.

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What is a gene?

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A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein, which influences traits.

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What is DNA?

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DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life and is found in the cells of all living organisms.

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What is a phenotype?

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A phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.