Acquired vs Inherited Traits worksheet - Free Printable
Educational worksheet: Acquired vs Inherited Traits worksheet. Download and print for classroom or home learning activities.
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Step-by-step solution for: Acquired vs Inherited Traits worksheet
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: Acquired vs Inherited Traits worksheet
Let's go through each trait and determine whether it is inherited (passed down genetically from parents) or acquired (developed through experience, learning, or environment).
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- Inherited ✔
*Explanation:* The color of flower petals is determined by genes passed from parent plants. This is a genetic trait.
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- Inherited ✔
*Explanation:* While environmental factors like sunlight and soil can influence growth, the potential height of a tree is largely determined by its genetics (e.g., species and parent trees). So, it's primarily inherited.
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- Acquired ✔
*Explanation:* Although some people may have a genetic predisposition for athleticism, becoming a professional athlete requires training, practice, and dedication—these are learned skills. Therefore, this is considered an acquired trait.
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- Acquired ✔
*Explanation:* Learning how to navigate a maze involves experience and memory. Even if there’s a genetic basis for learning capacity, the actual skill is developed through practice—so it's acquired.
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- Inherited ✔
*Explanation:* Color blindness is typically caused by a genetic mutation on the X chromosome and is passed from parents to offspring. It's not learned.
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- Acquired ✔
*Explanation:* Scars result from injury, surgery, or accidents—events that happen during life. They are not passed genetically.
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- Inherited ✔
*Explanation:* Eye color is determined by genes inherited from parents. It's one of the classic examples of an inherited trait.
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- Acquired ✔
*Explanation:* Playing the piano requires learning and practice. While musical aptitude might be influenced by genetics, the actual skill is developed over time.
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- Inherited ✔
*Explanation:* A widow's peak is a V-shaped hairline at the forehead and is controlled by a gene. It's passed down genetically.
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- Acquired ✔
*Explanation:* Knowledge about science is gained through education, reading, and experience. It is not something you're born with.
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| Trait | Classification |
|------|----------------|
| a. Flower petal colour | Inherited |
| b. Tree height | Inherited |
| c. Professional athletic ability | Acquired |
| d. Ability of a mouse to learn a maze | Acquired |
| e. Colour blindness of a person | Inherited |
| f. Scars on a person's face | Acquired |
| g. Eye colour | Inherited |
| h. Ability of a piano player | Acquired |
| i. Widow's peak on a person's forehead | Inherited |
| j. Science knowledge | Acquired |
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- Inherited traits: Genetically determined (DNA), present from birth.
- Acquired traits: Developed through experience, environment, or learning.
This distinction helps us understand how characteristics are passed down vs. how they are developed in life.
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a. Flower petal colour
- Inherited ✔
*Explanation:* The color of flower petals is determined by genes passed from parent plants. This is a genetic trait.
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b. Tree height
- Inherited ✔
*Explanation:* While environmental factors like sunlight and soil can influence growth, the potential height of a tree is largely determined by its genetics (e.g., species and parent trees). So, it's primarily inherited.
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c. Professional athletic ability
- Acquired ✔
*Explanation:* Although some people may have a genetic predisposition for athleticism, becoming a professional athlete requires training, practice, and dedication—these are learned skills. Therefore, this is considered an acquired trait.
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d. Ability of a mouse to learn a maze
- Acquired ✔
*Explanation:* Learning how to navigate a maze involves experience and memory. Even if there’s a genetic basis for learning capacity, the actual skill is developed through practice—so it's acquired.
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e. Colour blindness of a person
- Inherited ✔
*Explanation:* Color blindness is typically caused by a genetic mutation on the X chromosome and is passed from parents to offspring. It's not learned.
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f. Scars on a person's face
- Acquired ✔
*Explanation:* Scars result from injury, surgery, or accidents—events that happen during life. They are not passed genetically.
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g. Eye colour
- Inherited ✔
*Explanation:* Eye color is determined by genes inherited from parents. It's one of the classic examples of an inherited trait.
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h. Ability of a piano player
- Acquired ✔
*Explanation:* Playing the piano requires learning and practice. While musical aptitude might be influenced by genetics, the actual skill is developed over time.
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i. Widow's peak on a person's forehead
- Inherited ✔
*Explanation:* A widow's peak is a V-shaped hairline at the forehead and is controlled by a gene. It's passed down genetically.
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j. Science knowledge
- Acquired ✔
*Explanation:* Knowledge about science is gained through education, reading, and experience. It is not something you're born with.
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✔ Final Answers:
| Trait | Classification |
|------|----------------|
| a. Flower petal colour | Inherited |
| b. Tree height | Inherited |
| c. Professional athletic ability | Acquired |
| d. Ability of a mouse to learn a maze | Acquired |
| e. Colour blindness of a person | Inherited |
| f. Scars on a person's face | Acquired |
| g. Eye colour | Inherited |
| h. Ability of a piano player | Acquired |
| i. Widow's peak on a person's forehead | Inherited |
| j. Science knowledge | Acquired |
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🔍 Summary:
- Inherited traits: Genetically determined (DNA), present from birth.
- Acquired traits: Developed through experience, environment, or learning.
This distinction helps us understand how characteristics are passed down vs. how they are developed in life.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of inherited vs acquired traits worksheet.
