Inherited vs. Learned Traits

Heredity is the passing of traits from parents to offspring during reproduction. Traits are the characteristics of an organism. Reproduction is the creation of an offspring by one or two parents. Parents are mature adults that are capable of reproducing. The offspring is the “product” of reproduction. The offspring is the child or young of the parents.

When parents reproduce, they make copies of their DNA and pass the copies to their offspring. DNA is a molecule found in cells. It contains instructions that code for the traits of an organism. When an offspring has two parents, it inherits a combination of traits from both parents and thus, has characteristics similar to both parents. When an offspring has one parent, it has characteristics that are identical to its parent because it inherits an

exact copy of its parent’s DNA.

There are different kinds of traits offspring can inherit from parents. Offspring can inherit

physical features or the characteristics that determine what an organism looks like, such

as number of limbs and hair color. Offspring can also inherit behaviors or how an organism acts or responds. It is believed that an organism’s behavior is determined by a complex interaction between DNA and the environment. However, some behaviors are believed to be completely controlled by DNA. These behaviors are called instincts.

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.