Heredity Review

Which statement best describes why most organisms in a species carry out life processes similarly?

• Life processes that are specific to a species are passed from parents to their offspring.

• Life processes that are specific to a species are passed from offspring to their parents.

• Life processes that are specific to a species are passed from the environment to the organisms.

Jonathan observes two birds on the beach. One bird has a long, narrow beak while the other bird has a short, thick beak. Which best explains why the two birds have different types of beaks?

• The birds have the same parents.

• The birds live in different environments.

• The birds are members of different species.

Amanda’s science class is on a field trip to the local zoo. In the amphibians exhibit, the teacher points out two frogs to the class. If both frogs have the same parents, which statement is most likely true about the frogs?

• The frogs are exactly alike.

• The frogs are the same species.

• The frogs eat the same kind of organisms.

Both of Cindy’s parents have naturally brown hair. Which best explains why Cindy has red hair?

• Cindy’s cousin has red hair.

• Cindy’s grandmother has red hair.

• Cindy’s best friend at school has red hair.

Edna is expecting a baby in three weeks. She thinks her baby will probably have brown hair. Which best explains why Edna thinks this?

• Edna has brown hair

• Edna loves brown hair

• Edna’s other child has brown hair

• Edna knows all babies are born with brown hair

Which characteristic do all reptiles share?

• They swim

• They eat worms

• They have scaly skin

• None of the above

Lyndie has blue eyes. From which family member did Lyndie most likely inherit her blue eyes?

• her sister

• her brother

• her mother

• her cousin

Kim has freckles. Which best explains why Kim’s newborn brother will most likely also have freckles?

• Kim likes freckles

• All babies have freckles

• Kim’s parents have freckles

• Kim’s mother wants the baby to have freckles

Madison is a fifth grader with brown hair and brown eyes. Which statement best explains why Madison has brown eyes?

• Madison changed her eye color to match her hair.

• Madison’s best friend has brown eyes.

• Madison’s parents have brown eyes.

James is a fifth grade boy with brown hair and blue eyes. Which statement best explains why James has brown hair?

• Brown hair is an inherited characteristic in James’s family.

• Brown hair is a popular hair color among fifth grade boys.

• Brown is his mother’s favorite color.