Inherited and Acquired Traits of Animals Review

Front

What are inherited traits?

Back

Inherited traits are characteristics that are passed down from parents to their offspring through genes, such as fur color or eye shape.

Front

What are acquired traits?

Back

Acquired traits are characteristics that an animal develops during its life due to environmental influences or experiences, such as learning to catch a ball.

Front

Give an example of an inherited trait in animals.

Back

An example of an inherited trait is the brown fur of a cow, which is determined by its genetic makeup.

Front

Give an example of an acquired trait in animals.

Back

An example of an acquired trait is a dog learning to sit on command.

Front

What is the difference between instinct and learned behavior?

Back

Instinct is a behavior that an animal is born with and does automatically, while learned behavior is acquired through experience.

Front

Why do bottlenose dolphins live in groups?

Back

Bottlenose dolphins live in groups for social interaction, protection from predators, and cooperative hunting.

Front

How do animals learn behaviors?

Back

Animals learn behaviors through observation, practice, and reinforcement, often from their parents or peers.

Front

What is an example of an instinct in animals?

Back

An example of an instinct is a baby sea turtle moving towards the ocean immediately after hatching.

Front

How can scientists determine if a behavior is instinctive or learned?

Back

Scientists can observe whether the behavior occurs naturally without prior experience (instinct) or if it requires teaching or practice (learned).

Front

What role do genes play in inherited traits?

Back

Genes carry the information that determines inherited traits, influencing physical characteristics and behaviors.