Reading Comprehension: Inheritance of Traits

What are traits?

• interactions with an individual's environment

• gray areas between two extremes

• characteristics and qualities that make us who we are

• people with brown hair, blue eyes and long legs

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

How does the author compare inherited traits with learned traits?

• by explaining the difference between inherited physical traits like hair color and learned traits like video game skills

• by explaining the similarities between inherited traits like hair color and learned traits like video game skills

• by explaining the differences and similarities between inherited physical traits and learned traits like video game skills

• by explaining that all inherited traits and learned traits are affected by one's environment

In the passage, the author writes that people are genetically predisposed to their body type. But once diet becomes a factor, environment begins to play a major role in how the body develops. Based on this evidence, what conclusion can be made?

• If one changes one's diet, one can avoid looking like one's parents.

• Body type is a trait influenced by both genetics and environment.

• People raised in the same environment will all look alike.

• Body type is a trait that one cannot control.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Video game skills can only be learned, not inherited. What evidence in the text supports this conclusion?

• People who are good at video games get this ability from their parents.

• People who are good at video games have to practice and memorize moves.

• People who are good at video games can only come from certain countries.

• People who are good at video games also do well in school.

What is this passage mainly about?

• how to play video games

• different types of traits

• why red hair is rare

• how environment affects people's inherited traits

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Read the following sentences: "Of course, there are ways our brains can form that are more advantageous to advanced video game playing. Say you were born with an extra-large, extra-powerful section of your brain that commands hand-eye coordination. That's inherited. What you do with it, how you choose to develop that advantage, is up to you."

As used in the passage, what does the word "advantageous" mean?

• harmful

• useful

• cheerful

• difficult

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Choose the answer that best completes the sentence below.

Traits like red hair and knobby knees are inherited. _________, many of our most defining traits, such as the ability to play video games well, have been learned, rather than inherited.

• For example

• On the other hand

• As a result

• In conclusion