Genetics & Heredity

Genetics & Heredity

Important Vocabulary

• Genetics- the study of genes and heredity

• Heredity- the passing on of characteristics (as the color of the eyes or hair) from parents to offspring

• Offspring- the young of a person, animal, or plant

• Dominant- most powerful; ruling or controlling

• Recessive- being or produced by a form of a gene whose effect can be hidden by a dominant gene and which can produce a noticeable effect only when two copies of the gene are present

Multiple Choice

When both a dominant and recessive gene are present, which of the following is true?

• A. The dominant trait will be visible.

• B. The recessive trait will be visible.

• C. Neither trait will be visible.

• D. It cannot be predicted which trait will be visible.

Multiple Choice

A group of students are studying bean plants. All of the following traits are affected by changes in the environment EXCEPT...

• A. leaf color.

• B. seed type.

• C. bean production.

• D. plant height.

Multiple Choice

In plants, what is responsible for passing traits from one generation to the next?

• A. chloroplasts

• B. photosynthesis

• C. roots

• D. genes

Multiple Choice

The Ohio state tree is the buckeye. Which of these is a trait that is inherited by the buckeye tree in the reproduction process?

• A. number of leaves that fall during winter

• B. change in leaf color during the autumn season

• C. type of mineral that is absorbed from the soil

• D. amount of water that is available for growth

Multiple Choice

A 13-year-old boy has blue eyes. Which statement concerning his eye color is correct?

• A. It is a result of asexual reproduction.

• B. It is a result of childhood nutrition.

• C. It is an inherited characteristic.

• D. It is a personal choice.

Multiple Choice

At which level of body organization does copying of DNA take place?

• A. organ system

• B. organ

• C. tissue

• D. cell

Multiple Choice

Most species of ducks have webbed feet. The webbed feet are an example of

• A. behavioral trait.

• B. a learned trait.

• C. an inherited trait.

• D. an instinctive trait.

Multiple Choice

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

• A. an inherited trait.

• B. a genetic mutation.

• C. a behavioral adaptation.

• D. an acquired characteristic.

Multiple Choice

Which trait does a cactus seedling inherit from its parents?

• A. the amount of water it absorbs

• B. the length of its spines

• C. the type of organism that pollinates its flowers

• D. the number of organisms that consume its fruit

Multiple Choice

Which characteristic will a baby chimpanzee inherit from its parents?

• A. fur color

• B. hunting skills

• C. feeding behavior

• D. sleeping routine

Multiple Choice

Which is a trait that a child can inherit from its parents?

• A. eye color

• B. a broken leg

• C. length of hair

• D. language skills

Multiple Choice

Parents with freckles often have children with freckles. This occurs because...

• A. freckles develop from light.

• B. certain foods cause freckles.

• C. certain habits cause freckles.

• D. freckles are an inherited trait.