Heredity and Traits

Match each term to its definition.

• The young or babies of living things.

• Inherited Trait

• A physical feature that develops after birth due to environment or experience.

• Instinct

• A behavior an organism is born knowing how to do.

• Offspring

• An action or skill that an organism learns by observing or being taught.

• Learned Behavior

• A physical feature or behavior passed from parents to offspring through genes.

• Acquired Trait

Match each term to its definition.

• Everything around an organism that can influence its development.

• Heredity

• The passing of traits from parents to offspring.

• Genes

• Pieces of DNA that carry information for inherited traits.

• Environment

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which example best illustrates an inherited trait?

• Dimples

• A scar from an injury

• Muscle strength from sports

• Pierced ears

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

Which example best illustrates an acquired trait?

• Fur color in animals

• Short hair from a haircut

• Eye color

• Blood type

Which is an example of a learned behavior?

• A spider spinning a web

• A baby crying

• Speaking a language

• A bird building a nest

Which is an example of an instinct?

• Playing piano

• Reading a book

• Dog sitting on command

• A bird building a nest

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Which statements describe environment influences? Select all that apply.

• Genes determine eye color.

• Diet and temperature can affect development.

• Amount of exercise can influence development.

• Offspring are babies of living things.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-5

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Identify all inherited physical traits from the list.

• Eye color

• Muscles from exercise

• Freckles

• Hair texture

• Pierced ears

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

Identify all acquired physical traits from the list.

• Scar from a cut

• Tan skin from sun exposure

• Fur pattern in animals

• Dyed hair color

• Blood type

Identify all learned behaviors from the list.

• Playing an instrument

• Dog sitting on command

• Spider spinning a web

• Reading or writing

• Squirrels hiding nuts for winter