Inherited Traits

All of the following area likenesses that are inherited from parent to offspring EXCEPT:

• table manners
• eye color
• shape of nose
• freckles

The shape of a tree's leaves is

• determined by the color of the tree
• a learned characteristic of plants
• predicted by the size of the parent tree
• passed on from generation to generation

In the 19th century, scientists had difficulty understanding the ability to inherit certain traits.  A scientist named Gregor Mendel traced the pattern of certain traits in pea plants from generation to generation.  Mendel's experiments helped advance understanding about

• behavior
• heredity
• instincts
• learning

Students are asked to create a model to represent a learned likeness between parents and offspring.  Which of the following is a useful representation of a learned likeness?

• Stuffed animal balancing a ball on its nose
• Assorted selection of differently shaped leaves
• Photographs of people with different skin tones
• Rubber duck floating in water

All of the following are learned EXCEPT

• reading a book
• balancing a ball
• sneezing
• running

A mother was a gymnast and her daughter is a gymnast.  Which of the following traits did the daughter mostly likely inherit?

• The ability to balance on the beam.
• The color of her leotard.
• The ability to do cartwheels on the beam?
• Her straight hair

Which best completes the following analogy?
Eye color: inherited trait
_______: learned behavior

• crying
• swallowing
• talking
• breathing

There are many types of birds.  Some live around water, such as penguins, and others live in trees, such as blue jays.  Which trait do all birds share?

• All birds can fly.
• All birds have the same shaped beak.
• All birds lay eggs.
• All birds can swim.

Which of the following is an inherited trait?

• reading
• eye color
• table manners
• juggling

The Flying Wallendas are a family of high-wire acrobats who perform at circuses.  Which statement best describes the high-wire skill?

• The high-wire skill is inherited from the parents of each acrobat.
• The high-wire skill is inherited from the cousins of each acrobat.
• The high-wire skill is learned from other family members.
• The high-wire skill is learned from reading books.