Learned Behaviors vs
Inherited Traits
Learned Behavior
A behavior that has changed because of a
certain experience.
What are some behaviors we learn?
Let’s list some
not to fight with sibling (irritates adults), watch less TV so I can get school
work finished,turn in work because of loss of recess,go to bed early so not
tired in morning
What about animals learned behaviors?
dogs/cat being house trained, beware stay away of predators, not to mess
with porcupine, climbing trees, to be aware of environmental issues, hunt
for food, way to eat
Inherited Traits
What is passed on from parents to offspring
through genes
Genes are the things that play an important role in determining physical traits — how we
look — and lots of other stuff about us. They carry information that helps make you who you are: curly or straight hair, long or short
legs, even how you might smile or laugh, are all passed through generations of your family in genes.
What Is a Gene?
Each cell in the human body contains about 25,000 to 35,000 genes, which carry information that go toward determining yourtraits
(say: trates). Traits are characteristics you inherit from your parents; this means your parents pass some of their characteristics on
to you through genes. For example, if both of your parents have green eyes, you might inherit the trait of green eyes from them. Or
if your mom has freckles, you might inherit that trait and wind up with a freckled face. And genes aren't just in humans — all
animals and plants have genes, too.
Genes hang out all lined up on thread-like things calledchromosomes (say: kro-moh-somes). Chromosomes come in pairs, and there
are hundreds, sometimes thousands, of genes in one chromosome. The chromosomes and genes are made of DNA, which is short
for deoxyribonucleic (say: dee-ox-see-ri-bo-nyoo-clay-ik) acid.
What are some examples of Traits?
Let’s list some
eye color, hair color, skin color, straight hair, eye sight,
curly hair, height, fluffiness, freckles
What about animals inherited traits?
size, type of beak, fur color, type of fur (color, thick, thin, stripes etc)
length of legs, neck etc.
Is this a learned behavior or a trait?
Freckles:
Is this a learned behavior or a trait?
Riding a bike
Is this a learned behavior or a trait?
Eye Color
Is this a learned behavior or a trait?
The ability to read
Now Let’s see what you know!
On a piece of paper, please answer these
questions.
1. In your own words, what is a trait?
2. Describe three inherited traits that you received from
your parents. Please use complete sentences, capitals,
periods, correct spelling.
3. Describe three learned behaviors that you acquired
from those around you. Please use complete sentences,
capitals, periods, correct spelling.
Sources:
•
Inherited and Learned Traits by Megan Traverso
my.ccsd.net/userdocs/documents/1938532295.ppt
•
http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/what_is_gene.html
•
http://www.sln.org/csi/knox/Traits/traitsexamples.pdf