Inherited and Acquired Traits
INHERITED TRAITS (physical characteristics)
Some physical characteristics of organisms are passed from parents to their offspring (inherited). Inherited traits may help distinguish one organism from another. Some examples of animal characteristics may be type and color of body coloring, type and shape of sensory organs, or body structure. Some examples of plant characteristics may be shape of leaves, color of flowers, or type of fruit. |
ACQUIRED TRAITS (influenced by the environment)
Some characteristics of organisms are influenced by environmental factors. These factors include: temperature, nutrition, exposure to sunlight, disease, injury and living conditions. Traits influenced by the environment do not change the organism into another kind of organism. Traits influenced by the environment are not usually passed on to offspring. Temperature can change the size and thickness of a plant’s leaves. Animals may experience a change in fur thickness in response to temperature fluctuations. Animals’ coats may also change color in response to the seasons. A lack of nutrients may make plants and/or animals experience stunted growth and make them vulnerable to sickness. Injuries to plants and animals may produce scarring. Changes in the amount of sunlight may affect the size and growth rate of plants. It may also cause changes in skin color of humans and other animals. |
Sources:
Text: ed.sc.gov
Image 1: https://brazile2012-2013.wikispaces.com/file/view/animals.png/418295746/301x241/animals.png
Image 2: http://bestdigitalpiano.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/benefits-of-playing-piano.jpg
Text: ed.sc.gov
Image 1: https://brazile2012-2013.wikispaces.com/file/view/animals.png/418295746/301x241/animals.png
Image 2: http://bestdigitalpiano.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/benefits-of-playing-piano.jpg