WorksheetsInherited & Acquired Traits
Total questions: 18
Worksheet time: 17mins
All of the following can be inherited by the offspring of an apple tree EXCEPT
The shape of its leaves
Its broken branches
Its type of fruit
Its flower color
The characteristics of a dolphin are shown in the illustration. The dolphin inherited all of these characteristics from its parents EXCEPT
its blowhole, for breathing.
its scars from running into a motorboat
its long, rounded snout
its broad, flat tail
Identify one learned behavior this dog must be taught in order to be an effective guide dog.
Things that an organism learned to do by interacting with its environment
Inherited trait
Offspring
Heredity
Learned behavior
A new organism produced by parents
Inherited trait
Offspring
Heredity
Learned behavior
Traits that an organism inherits from its parents
Inherited trait
Offspring
Heredity
Learned behavior
Plants and animals have unique characteristics called traits. Traits can be inherited or caused by the environment. Gracie was looking at the picture below and was trying to decide if the traits were inherited or acquired through the environment. What do you think? Use evidence to prove your answer.
Inherited or Acquired? The shape of a bird’s beak
Inherited
Acquired
Inherited or Acquired? Pierced ears
Inherited
Acquired
Instinct or Learned Behavior? A child reading a book
Instinct
Learned Behavior
Inherited or Acquired? Shape and color of a pear
Inherited
Acquired
A fifth grade student observed the following characteristics of a butterfly found outside. Which explanation BEST explains the traits of the butterfly the student observed? Characteristics of a Butterfly: Bright vibrant orange color; Flies high in the sky; One wing has a tear in it; Likes to eat nectar
The bright vibrant orange coloring is an acquired physical trait, and the preference to eat nectar is an inherited physical trait.
The bright vibrant orange coloring is an inherited physical trait, and the preference to eat nectar is an acquired physical trait.
The bright vibrant orange coloring is an inherited physical trait, and the wing with a tear in it is an acquired physical trait.
The bright vibrant orange coloring is an acquired physical trait, and the ability to fly high is an inherited physical trait.
The picture shows three cats with differences in patterns and fur length. All three cats had different parents. Which statement is true about the cats?
The fur was damaged by disease when they were kittens. This is an acquired physical trait.
The cats come from different environments and the fur changes in response. This is an inherited physical trait.
The differences in the type of food caused the fur to grow in unique patterns. This is an acquired physical trait.
The parents of the cats passed down their traits of patterns and fur length. This is an inherited physical trait.
Two baby robins were hatched at the same time in the same nest. One fell out and broke its wing. It was rescued by humans and lived its life in a cage without ever being able to fly again. The other baby bird stayed with its mother bird until it was able to survive on its own. Which explanation gives the best reason for the baby birds’ traits?
The baby bird that fell out of the tree has a broken wing, which exhibits an acquired physical trait that is developed throughout a lifetime.
The baby bird that fell out of the tree has a broken wing, which exhibits an inherited physical trait that is developed throughout a lifetime.
Both baby birds exhibit an acquired physical trait of developing the same physical appearance that the mother bird also has.
Both baby birds exhibit an inherited physical trait of having broken wings just like the mother bird had.
Ducks live near ponds and lakes. The shape of a duck’s foot helps it to walk on muddy ground and swim in the water. All ducks have similar feet. Which of the following statements explains this?
The environment of the animal is the only factor that determines the appearance of the foot and how it moves.
The animal grows and changes in response to its habitat. The duck’s foot is shaped by the way the duck walks and swims.
The appearance and shape of the duck’s foot is passed down from the parent to the offspring.
The history of the climate and rainfall affects the number of ducks that have the same feet.
A student was walking in the woods and observed living organisms throughout her walk. Which of the following situations BEST describes an example of an acquired physical trait?
A black bear is hibernating in a cave.
A pine tree has a large scratch in it from bear claws.
A pine tree has the same size needles as the pine trees surrounding it.
A squirrel has a long bushy tail.
A student went to the Georgia Aquarium for a field trip to observe animal behavior and traits. She noticed that a penguin had a chipped beak. She turned to her friend to ask what happened to the penguin. Which explanation would BEST explain the chipped beak?
The penguin shows an inherited trait here because it was most likely born with the chipped beak because if a parent penguin has a chipped beak, the offspring will too.
The penguin shows an acquired physical trait here because it was most likely born with the chipped beak because if a parent penguin has a chipped beak, the offspring will too.
The penguin shows an acquired physical trait here because it was not likely born with this chipped beak and probably broke it when trying to break up its food.
The penguin shows an inherited trait here because it was not likely born with this chipped beak and probably broke it when trying to break up its food.
A dog sitting when she is told to. Is this an instinct or learned behavior? How do you know?
