MP Board · Class 10 · Science · HeredityWhat are acquired and inherited traits? Give two examples of each and explain why acquired traits are not passed on to the next generation.

Introduction\nIn biology, traits or characteristics observed in organisms are broadly classified into two categories based on their origin and transmission: Inherited traits and Acquired traits.

1. Inherited Traits

• Definition: These are characteristics that are passed on from parents to their offspring through genes. They are genetically determined and present since birth.
• Transmission: They involve changes in DNA and germ cells (sperm and eggs), allowing them to be transmitted from one generation to the next.
• Examples:
  1. Eye color (e.g., brown, blue, or green eyes).
  2. Hair type and color (curly or straight hair, natural hair color).

2. Acquired Traits

• Definition: These are characteristics that an organism develops during its lifetime due to environmental influences, learning, practice, or life experiences. They are not coded in the DNA.
• Transmission: They affect only the somatic (body) cells and are not passed on to the next generation.
• Examples:
  1. A person learning to swim or ride a bicycle.
  2. Loss of a limb due to an accident or injury.

Why Acquired Traits Are Not Passed On\nAcquired traits do not cause any change in the DNA of the germ cells (reproductive cells). Since evolution and heredity depend exclusively on changes occurring in the DNA of germ cells, experiences or skills gained by an individual during their lifetime (in somatic cells) cannot be transferred to the progeny. For instance, if a weightlifter builds huge muscles through rigorous training, their children will not automatically be born with muscular bodies because the training does not alter the genes in the sperm or egg cells.