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Inherited Learned Plants Animals People

What is an inherited trait?

An inherited trait is a characteristic or instinct that is

passed down from parent to offspring.

What is the difference between an inherited

trait and a learned trait?

An inherited trait is passed down through parent to offspring, or through heredity. A

learned trait is acquired through practice or

experience.

If someone has red hair, can that show up on another person in future generations of

the same family?

Yes, people can have traits that show up on another person in future generations of the same

family.

Can an inherited trait be enhanced with practice?

Most of the time no, but there are some cases in which the environment can enhance

inherited traits. For example, intelligence can be enhanced

when exposed to an educational environment.

Does the environment influence inherited traits?

Most of the time, no, the environment does not influence

inherited traits.

What is a learned trait?

A learned trait or behavior is influenced by the environment

or because of experience.

Why can’t a learned behavior be inherited?

Learned behaviors are not instinctive. They are not passed

from a parent's genes to the offspring.

Is a heron fishing by the water exhibiting a learned behavior?

A heron fishing by the water is exhibiting a instinctive behavior,

not a learned behavior.

Can you train a pet? Is this a learned behavior?

Training a pet is possible. This is a learned behavior.

Are there outside factors that can influence a learned behavior?

Environment, experiences, nutrition, and peers are just some

of the outside factors that can influence learned behaviors.

What are some inherited traits of a cactus?

A cactus is born with spines for leaves and fleshy stems to

survive their desert ecosystems.

What are the inherited differences between a rose and a

daisy?

Color of flowers, shape of flowers, leaf structure, height in

some cases, and position of leaves on the stem are a few of

the inherited differences between a rose and a daisy.

Do plants exhibit learned behaviors?

Yes, leaning trees lean due to the wind patterns.

Is growing toward the sun an inherited or learned trait?

Growing toward the light is an inherited trait for most plants. Plants instinctively know they

need the sun for growth.

Can inherited traits of plants change over time?

Yes, if a plant does not live long enough to reproduce, its traits

will not be passed on to the next generation.

What are some inherited traits of a butterfly?

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 know to migrate.

Are the offspring of ducks able to swim without their mother

teaching them?

Yes, offspring of ducks are able to swim.

Can animals have mannerisms?

Yes. People can see all kinds of mannerisms in their pets… like

their dog smiling.

Is a mother bird protecting her nest a learned behavior or an

inherited trait?

Being territorial is an instinct or an inherited trait.

What are some inherited differences between a dog and a

cat?

Dogs and cats differ in many ways – dogs tend to be taller, more social, and more active in their adult stages. Dogs

need constant interaction in most cases. Dogs generally rush out to meet strangers. Cats tend to be

smaller, more independent, and sleep a major portion of the time when adults. Cats need some social interaction, but can survive with less than a dog. Cats

generally hide when strangers enter their area.

Do people inherit traits such as eye color or hair color?

Yes, eye color and hair color are inherited traits.

Why do people want to change inherited traits?

People are influenced by their environment. If straight hair is “in” people with curly hair may

want to straighten it.

Are people born knowing how to play a musical instrument? Is

this a learned or inherited behavior?

Some people are known as prodigies. They are the

exception. Most people have to learn how to play an instrument.

Even with some beginning instinct in music, practice improves performance.

Are athletes naturally able to compete or do they have to

practice?

Once again, some people are born with traits that make them great athletes, but they have to practice to learn certain skills. Babies are not born knowing

how to throw a spiral toss with a football.

Can you read a book without being taught?

Language has to be learned. Babies communicate with cries,

but need to learn to talk and read.