Question

State the meaning of inherited traits and acquired traits. Which of the two is not passes on the next generation? Explain with the help of an example.

Answer 1

Inherited traits: The traits that are passed on from one generation to another are called inherited traits. These involve changes in the DNA.

Acquired traits: Those traits that one acquires during one’s lifetime are called acquired traits. Acquired traits are not passed on to the next generation. These involve changes in the somatic cells.

For example: Education is an acquired trait, it cannot be passed on to the progeny.