Science Vocabulary- Genetics and Heredity
genetics
The science of genes, dealing with resemblances and differences of related
organisms resulting from the interaction of their genes and the environment.
heredity
The biological process when genetic factors are transmitted from one
generation to the next.
inherited trait
A trait or characteristic that is genetically inherited or passed down from
generation to generation. Examples: dimples, tongue rolling, left-thumbed or
right-thumbed when interlocking fingers, or attached/unattached earlobes.
learned behavior
A behavior that is learned, either from interacting with the world or by being
taught the behavior. (This is not a part of their genes.) Examples:
intelligence, sports ability, and favorite things.
species
A class of individuals having some common characteristics or qualities;
distinct sort or kind.
culture
The behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age
group.
offspring
Children or young of a particular parent.
characteristics
A distinguishing feature or quality.
DNA
Short for deoxyribonucleic acid, the name of the molecule that carries
instructions for all living things.
trait
A distinguishing characteristic or quality, such as eye color, hair color, etc.
instincts
A behavior that an organism inherits.
inherit
To receive a genetic characteristic from your parents.
chromosomes
A threadlike strand of DNA inside the nucleus.
genes
A basic physical unit made up of DNA that is passed from parents to their
children.
acquired traits
To develop after birth usually as a result of environmental forces. For
example: dyed hair.
dominant trait
A gene that shows the characteristics of another gene and is outwardly seen.
It always overpowers a recessive gene.
recessive trait
A gene that does not show itself unless it is paired with a like gene.