Inherited | Learned | Plants | Animals | People |
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What is an Inherited Trait?
A characteristic or trait that is passed down from parent to offspring.
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What is a Learned Trait?
A trait or behavior that is influenced by the environment or because of experience.
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A cactus is born with spines for leaves, and fleshy stems to survive their desert environment.
What are some inherited traits of a cactus?
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Caterpillars instinctively know to eat plants, and hang on during the chrysalises stage. Butterflies also know when they emerge from their chrysalises to dry their wings by flapping them. Butterflies also migrate.
What are some inherited traits of a butterfly?
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Yes, eye color and hair color are inherited traits.
Do people inherit traits such as eye or hair color?
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An inherited trait is passed down from parent to offspring while a learned trait is acquired through practice or experience.
Tell the difference between an inherited trait and a learned trait.
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Learned behaviors are not instinctive. They are not passed down from parent to offspring.
Why can’t a learned behavior be inherited?
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The color of the flowers, the shape of the petals and leaves, height in some cases, and position of the leaves on the stem.
What are the inherited differences between a rose and a daisy?
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Yes
Are the offspring of ducks able to swim?
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People are influenced by their environment. If straight hair is in style – people with curly hair may want to straighten it.
Why do people want to change inherited traits?
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Yes, Roberto’s family is an example.
If someone has red hair, can that red hair show up on another person in future generations of the same family?
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This is instinctive behavior – inherited.
Is a heron fishing by the water exhibiting a learned behavior?
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Yes, leaning trees lean due to wind patterns, bonsai trees are trained to grow in a specific way.
Do plants exhibit learned behaviors?
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Yes, people can see all kinds of mannerisms in their pets For example, when their dog smiles at them or twirls when they want to go outside.
Can animals have mannerisms?
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Most people have to learn how to play an instrument. Some people are known as prodigies. They are the exception. Even with some beginning instincts in music, practice improves performance.
Are people born knowing how to play a musical instrument?
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Practice influences learned traits more than inherited traits.
Can an inherited trait be enhanced with practice?
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Training a pet is possible. This is a learned behavior.
Can you train a pet?
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Growing toward the light is an inherited trait for most plants. Plants instinctively know they need the sun for growth.
Is growing toward the sun an inherited or a learned trait?
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Being territorial is an instinct or an inherited trait.
Is a mother bird protecting her nest a learned or inherited trait?
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Some people are born with traits that make them great athletes, but they have to PRACTICE to learn certain skills.
Are athletes naturally able to compete or do they have to practice?
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No, environment influences learned traits MORE directly than inherited traits.
Does the environment influence inherited traits?
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Environment, experiences, nutrition, and peers are some of the outside factors that can influence learned behaviors.
Are there outside factors that can influence a learned behavior?
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Yes, if a plant does not live long enough to reproduce, its traits will not be passed on to the next generation.
Can inherited traits of plants change over time?
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Dogs and cats are different in MANY ways. Dogs are generally taller than cats. Dogs tend to be more social, and more active in their adult stages than cats. Cats tend to be more independent and sleep more as adults. Generally, cats are not as social.
What are some inherited differences between a dog and a cat?
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Language has to be learned. Babies communicate by crying, but must learn how to talk and read.
Can you read a book without being taught?
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