Inherited and Acquired Traits Study Guide

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What are inherited traits?

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Inherited traits are characteristics that are passed down from parents to their offspring through genes, such as eye color, hair color, and height.

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What are acquired traits?

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Acquired traits are characteristics that an organism develops after birth due to environmental influences or experiences, such as speaking a language or learning to ride a bike.

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How can you determine if a trait is inherited or acquired?

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You can determine if a trait is inherited or acquired by asking questions about the family history of the trait and whether it can be learned or is present at birth.

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What is an example of an inherited trait?

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An example of an inherited trait is having brown eyes, which can be passed from parents to children.

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What is an example of an acquired trait?

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An example of an acquired trait is a person learning to play the piano, which is not something they are born knowing.

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Can learned behaviors be inherited?

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No, learned behaviors cannot be inherited because they are developed after birth through experiences.

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What is the role of genes in inherited traits?

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Genes are the units of heredity that carry information from parents to offspring, determining inherited traits.

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Why is it important to ask about family traits?

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Asking about family traits helps to identify whether a characteristic is inherited and to understand genetic patterns.

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What is instinctive behavior?

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Instinctive behavior is a natural, unlearned behavior that an organism is born with, such as a turtle laying eggs.

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How do environmental factors influence acquired traits?

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Environmental factors influence acquired traits by providing experiences and learning opportunities that shape an organism's behavior and characteristics.