Inherited TraitsWhy do animals look like

their parents?

Heredity, it’s in the genes!

Heredity is the passing of traits from parents to offspring.

You inherit traits from your parents.

What are some traits?

Eye Color

Hair Color

Height

Body Shape

Facial Features

Skin Color

Some interesting inherited traits!

Some people have a genetic trait that creates indentations on their cheeks called dimples.

Some interesting inherited traits!

Other people have an inherited trait that gives them curly hair or freckles.

Turn to a partner and check….

See if your partner can….

Roll his tongue

Turn to a partner and check….

See if your partner can make….

A vulcan hand sign

Turn to a partner and check….

See if your partner has….

A hitchhiker’s thumb

How do we inherit traits?

When organisms reproduce, inherited traits are passed from parent to offspring. This is true for all living things.

Why do I look more like one parent?

Each parent passes one gene to the offspring. Usually the stronger gene will be the one that “shows” in the new offspring.