What is an innate trait (inherited trait)?
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.
is the passing of traits from parents to offspring during reproduction.
are the characteristics of an organism.
When an offspring has parent, it has characteristics that are identical to its parent.
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.
Traits that are not coded for in DNA but are learned by experiences are traits
What is heredity?
Which statement best describes the relationship between the environment and traits coded in an organism's DNA?
When parents reproduce, they make copies of their DNA and pass copies to their offspring.
Offspring can inherit physical features AND behaviors from their parents.
Traits that are coded in DNA and passed from parents to offspring are
Many insects perform courtship dances before reproducing. These dances are no learned. This is an example of a(n)
Ability to swim
Eye Color
Height
The ability to read
A Scar