March 15, 2017
What is genetics?
Genetics is the scientific study of heredity.
What is a Trait?
A trait is a noticeable feature
or physical characteristic in a
person, animal or plant.
"Families" have different
combination of traits that
make them unique. Traits are
passed from generation to
generation. An inherited trait
is passed from parents to
offspring. For example, in
many animals, hair color or
fur color is an inherited trait.
So is eye color.
March 15, 2017
What Are Inherited Traits?
An inherited trait/heredity is a trait or characteristic that is
genetically inherited or passed down from generation to
generation or a trait passed down from parents to their
offspring. There are a lot of different inherited traits.
Inherited Trait: A trait or characteristic that is genetically
inherited or passed down from generation to generation.
Example:
• Eye color
• Hair type (curly, straight) and color
• Skin tone and freckles
• Body build and height (tall, short, etc.)
March 15, 2017
What Are Some Other Inherited Traits?
There are lots of things passed on from your parents that
you might not even think of such as.....
Attached or Unattached earlobes
Tongue Rolling
Dimples
Hitchhikers Thumb
March 15, 2017
What Are Inherited Traits?
Humans are not the only ones who have inherited traits.
Plants and animals also inherit traits from their parents as
well. Animals also have what is known as instinct. Which is
passed down from parents to offspring.
Puppy and mother have
same coat/fur.
March 15, 2017
What Are Learned Behaviors?
A learned behavior is something that you are taught or have
learned to do. We do learn somethings from our parents but
other things such as skateboarding we might learn by
ourselves.
Learned Behavior: Behavior that is taught or acquired
through experience.
Examples:
• Playing an instrument
• Playing sports
• Style
• Cooking
March 15, 2017
What Are Learned Behaviors?
Just like inherited traits animals also have learned
behaviors. The majority of them they learn from their parent.
Some are acquired traits due to environmental influences.
• Birds building a nest the same way their parents did.
• Beavers building a dam to live
• Animals knowing which kind of plants are poisonous