Characteristics = TraitsA characteristic of an organism may be

inherited or acquired.You are a unique individual.Characteristics about you are called traits.

Examples: Eye color, basketball skills

Inherited Traits

Received from your biological parentsExamples: natural eye color, hair color,

height, blood type.

Acquired TraitsDeveloped during life (not born with it)Examples

Things you learned (riding a bike, reading, writing)

Things that happened to you (short hair, cut-off finger)

Acquired traits end with you!CANNOT pass on

acquired traits to offspring

NOT in DNA/genes!Example: Your kids

won’t be born with a missing arm if you cut off your arm first!

Some traits are both!Skin color is a

combination traitInherited part:

Receive genes for skin color from parents.

Acquired part: Amount of time in the sun determines level of tan.

Let’s Practice!Take out a sheet of notebook paper and

number it 1-12.

For each example, write down whether you think the trait is acquired or inherited.

Think: “Was this organism programmed from birth to have this trait?”

Example:DimplesIs this an acquired trait or an inherited

trait?

Dimples – Inherited Trait!This child has genes from her parents that

gives her dimples.

Number 1Someone is bilingual.

Number 2You know how to swim.

Number 3You have a hitchhiker’s thumb.

Number 4A man is blind from a firework accident.

Number 5Sarah can roll her tongue.

Number 6You have calluses on your feet.

Number 7A pea plant has purple flowers.

Number 8Captain Kirk can make the vulcan hand sign.

Number 9Harry has a scar on his head.

Number 10Sam has a birthmark on his back.

Number 11A bush has trimmed limbs.

Number 12Kilam is very good at basketball.