Physical Characteristics
of Plants and Animals
How are inherited and acquired
characteristics different?
Physical Characteristics


Physical characteristics are the outward
appearance of organisms.
These can be inherited (come from the parents)
or acquired (changed during the life of the
organism.)
Inherited Physical Characteristics

The coat color of cats is
an inherited
characteristic. This
feature came from the
cat’s parents.
Inherited Physical Characteristics

Our body coverings are
also inherited from our
parents.
Inherited Physical Characteristics

Sensory organs like eyes,
ears, and noses are
inherited physical
characteristics.
Inherited Physical Characteristics

Body Structure is
inherited from our
parents.
Inherited Physical Characteristics


Plants inherit
characteristics from their
parent plants, too!
Type of leaves, colors of
flowers, and types of
fruit are all inherited
characteristics.
Inherited Physical Characteristics


The leaf type is inherited
from the parent plant.
Shape, size and color can
differ.
Inherited Physical Characteristics

Flower color and shape
is inherited from the
parent plants.
Inherited Physical Characteristics

The type of fruit
produced by a plant is
inherited from its
parents.
Acquired Physical Characteristics


These characteristics change over the life of the
organisms.
These characteristics change due to outside
factors or development over time.
Acquired Physical Characteristics

Additional weight gain is an acquired
characteristic.
Acquired Physical Characteristics

Hair length or color can be changed. This is
very easily observed in humans.
Acquired Physical Characteristics

Characteristics can change due to injury.
Lizard that has lost its tail. It will
grow a new one.
Dog that has lost a leg. He
will not grow a new leg!
Acquired Physical Characteristics

Plants acquire characteristics throughout their
lives, too. For instance their roots get longer.
Acquired Physical Characteristics

The amount of leaves and branching on plants
are acquired over time.
Behavioral Characteristics


In order to survive with an ecosystem, plants
and animals act in distinctive ways called
behaviors.
A behavior is a response to a change in the
environment.
Plant Behavior Characteristics

Plants respond to light, water, gravity and touch.
Plant Behavior Characteristics

Plant roots grow
down, while stems
grow up.
Plant Behavior Characteristics


Vines will grow up a support or structure.
Leaves close up when touched.
Plant Behavior Characteristics

Leaves grow toward light
Animal Behavior Characteristics


Animals are born with certain behaviors that
allow them to survive.
These are called instincts.
Animal Behavior Characteristics


A duck knowing how to swim across a lake.
Birds building different types of nests.
Animal Behavior Characteristics

Migration and
Hibernation are also
instincts.
Animal Behavior


Animals can also acquire behaviors as they grow
and develop. Can be a result of environment or
through learning.
Learned behaviors are shaped by experience.
Learned Behaviors



A dog can learn to roll over.
A bird is taught to fly by its parent.
A bear learns to fish for food.