Traits describe the physical characteristics of an organism, as well as how the organism behaves. Traits can be inherited or learned.
Inherited or innate traits are traits coded in DNA and are passed from parents to offspring during reproduction. Offspring can inherit traits that determine what the organism looks like (its physical appearance). Offspring look like their parent(s) because they inherit physical characteristics from their parent(s). Offspring can inherit certain
behaviors as well. Fixed behaviors that are not learned are called instincts. Many insects
perform courtship dances before reproducing. These dances are not learned - they are
instincts because the insects “just know” how to perform them. Sea turtles hatch on
beaches. When baby sea turtles hatch, they instinctively know to swim towards water.
Learned or acquired traits are traits not coded in DNA and not passed from parents to offspring. They are learned or acquired by experiences. Specifically, they are developed by observing the natural world, by effort or by being taught by another organism. Most behaviors are learned and thus, are learned traits. The ability to read, write, draw and do math are learned traits. Playing a sport, cooking and riding a bike are learned
traits as well. It’s believed that many aspects of a person’s personality are learned, such as a person’s sense of humor, likes and dislikes and fears. Some physical features of an organism can be acquired. For example, a scar from an injury is not an inherited trait – it is acquired through experience. A person’s muscle tone and/or strength can be changed based on his or her diet and exercise.