Inherited Traits
What is an inherited trait?
A characteristic passed from parents to offspring through genes.
What is a learned behavior?
A skill or action an organism learns by watching, practicing, or being taught.
What is an instinct?
A behavior an animal is born knowing how to do.
What is an adaptation?
A trait or behavior that helps an organism survive in its environment.
Is barking an inherited trait, instinct, or learned behavior?
Instinct
Is eye color inherited or learned?
Inherited
Is reading a learned behavior or an inherited trait?
Learned behavior
Is a spider spinning a web an instinct or learned behavior?
Instinct
Are sharp teeth an adaptation or behavior?
Physical adaptation
Which is a learned behavior: blinking, walking, or speaking a language?
Speaking a language
Name two traits you inherit from your parents.
Eye color, hair texture, skin color, blood type, etc.
Give two examples of learned behaviors in animals.
Dog learning to sit, bird learning a song, bear learning to catch fish.
Name two instincts animals (or humans) are born with.
Running from predators, building nests, migration, hibernation.
Crying, eating, breathing
Whatβs the difference between a physical adaptation and a behavior?
Physical adaptation is a body part; behavior adaptation is how it acts.
A fish swims away from danger. Is this instinct or learned? Why?
Instinct β the fish does it automatically without being taught.
TRUE or FALSE: You can change your inherited traits.
FALSE
How do learned behaviors help an animal survive?
They help animals get food, avoid danger, or interact with others.
How are instincts different from learned behaviors?
Instincts are inherited and automatic; learned behaviors come from experience.
How do camouflage help animals survive?
Camouflage hides animals from something that could be dangerous like predators.
A child has brown eyes and learns to play soccer. Which is inherited and which is learned?
Brown eyes = inherited; playing soccer = learned behavior
How are inherited traits different from learned behaviors?
Inherited traits come from your parents and are in your genes; learned behaviors come from practice or experience.
What happens if an animal never learns a behavior it needs?
It might not survive, find food, or care for its young properly.
Why are instincts important for survival? Give an example.
They help animals survive without being taughtβe.g., sea turtles crawling to the ocean.
Describe an animal and explain how 2 of its adaptations help it live in its environment.
Example: Polar bear - thick fur for warmth, sharp claws to catch prey.
A bear hibernates in winter. Is this an instinct or a learned behavior? How do you know?
Instinct β bears are born with the behavior and donβt need to be taught.