LS5.3.2 Heredity

Examine the given table. Which of the given traits are acquired?

• A. B, C, F, and G

• B. A, D, F, and G

• C. B, C, E, and H

• D. A, C, E, and H

Answer explanation

Traits B, C, F, and G are acquired because they result from environmental influences and experiences, unlike innate traits which are genetically inherited. Therefore, the correct choice is A.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Which characteristic of a kitten is an acquired trait due to environmental influences?

• cleaning its ears

• sleeping on a chair

• sharpening its claws

• meowing when it is hungry

Answer explanation

Cleaning its ears and sleeping on a chair are acquired traits influenced by the environment. Kittens learn to clean themselves and find comfortable resting spots through observation and experience.

Tags

NGSS.3-LS3-2

In plants, which of these is NOT an inherited trait from parent to offspring?

• A. seed germination

• B. leaf shape

• C. plant height

• D. flower color

Answer explanation

Seed germination is influenced by environmental factors like moisture and temperature, rather than being a direct inherited trait. In contrast, leaf shape, plant height, and flower color are genetically inherited from parent plants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Choose all of the traits of humans that are inherited.

• long hair

• blue eyes

• five fingers

• small dimples

• long eyelashes

Answer explanation

Traits like blue eyes, five fingers, small dimples, and long eyelashes are inherited genetic traits. In contrast, long hair is not strictly inherited as it can be influenced by environmental factors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

A baby horse will inherit all of these traits from its parents EXCEPT

• height

• weight

• coat color

• preferred food

Answer explanation

A baby horse inherits traits like height, weight, and coat color from its parents, which are genetic. However, preferred food is influenced by environment and learning, not directly inherited, making it the correct choice.

Which is an example of a learned characteristic of birds?

• A. Birds that feed in ponds have long legs and necks.

• B. Birds come more often to an area that has a bird feeder.

• C. Male birds have brighter feathers in spring to attract mates.

• D. Female birds keep their eggs warm by sitting on them until they hatch.

Answer explanation

Choice B is correct because it illustrates a learned behavior; birds associate feeders with food availability, leading them to visit more often. The other options describe innate characteristics or behaviors.

Which is a learned behavior of animals?

• birds migrating south in winter

• baby horses standing up within minutes of being born

• kittens nuzzling their mother for milk when they are hungry

• cows walking to a feed trough when they hear the sound of grain in a bucket

Answer explanation

Cows walking to a feed trough when they hear the sound of grain is a learned behavior, as they associate the sound with food. In contrast, the other options are instinctual behaviors.

Which is an example of a learned behavior?

• A. A tiger hunts a deer.

• B. A mouse runs from a coyote.

• C. A salmon migrates up a river.

• D. A woodpecker taps a tree for insects.

Answer explanation

B is correct because running from a predator is a learned behavior, often developed through experience. In contrast, A, C, and D are instinctual behaviors that animals perform without prior learning.

Six puppies were born at the same time. After 6 months, one of the puppies was much heavier than the others. Which of the following is the MOST likely explanation for difference in size of that puppy?

• It ate more food.

• It was more active.

• It drank more water.

• It received more sunlight.

Answer explanation

The most likely explanation for the size difference is that the heavier puppy ate more food. Increased food intake directly contributes to weight gain, while activity, water, and sunlight have less impact on size.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Some frog species will bury themselves in mud if the environment becomes very dry. The frogs enter into a type of hibernation. Which would be the MOST likely signal for the frogs to emerge from the mud?

• a decrease in daylight hours

• an increase in air temperature

• an increase in precipitation

• a decrease in air pressure

Answer explanation

Frogs emerge from hibernation primarily in response to environmental cues. An increase in precipitation signals the return of moisture, making it a key trigger for frogs to leave the mud and resume activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1