S5L2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information showing that some characteristics of organisms are inherited and other characteristics are acquired.
b. Ask questions to compare and contrast inherited and acquired physical traits
Inherited Traits vs Acquired Traits
An inherited trait is one that is genetically determined. They are passed down from parent to offspring according to the rules of what is known as Mendelian genetics. Mendelian genetics is the idea proposed by Gregor Mendel in 1860 and popularized by William Bateson that suggested that an individual’s characteristics were determined by genes/genomes and alleles. A gene is an order of nucleotides, the basis of DNA. This contested the popular belief at the time that traits were inherited by a blending of parental essence, similar to the premise of color combinations such as yellow and blue makes green. Mendel believed that heredity is based on singular genomes and the pairing of these genes from each parent. Modern studies into this subject provide an alteration on his theory which is that multiple genomes, not singular as was originally proposed, impact an individual's traits. Inherited traits can be specific to different subspecies and an example pertaining to my project includes a fiddler’s crabs dimorphic claws. Dimorphic means to occur in two distinct forms which is showcased in the Uca Minax fiddler crab’s two front pincers. Acquired traits are characteristics/tendencies that occur after birth either by disease, injury, accident, deliberate modification, environmental influence, etc. This can include the muscles acquired through exercise, the loss of a limb due to an injury/disease, or the change in reproduction patterns to accommodate for the weather/environment of the Uca Minax fiddler crab. Acquired traits can stem from negative influences however, as heavy human interaction and climate change due to global pollution can change nesting patterns, reproduction patterns, physical traits, etc. Most traits are impacted by a combination of their hosts environment as well as their genes.
Fiddler Crabs Inherited and Acquired Traits
A species’ inherited traits often become modified through generations due to changes in climate, movement of organisms, interactions with different species, and the increasing ease of certain activities such as hunting. The basic understanding of the phrase “survival of the fittest” alludes to the fact that being the “fittest” or best suited for the surrounding environment and its multiple challenges, ensures the continuation of the species. Inherited traits can be specific to different subspecies and an example pertaining to my project includes a fiddler’s crabs dimorphic claws. Dimorphic means to occur in two distinct forms which is showcased in the Uca Minax fiddler crab’s two front pincers. The enlarged claw, signified also by a bright color pattern, can be as heavy and large as the rest of the fiddler crab itself. This feature, while seemingly physically imposing, is too small to wane off most predators and to crush their preferred food, periwinkle snails. It does however, enable them to fight for mates through a ritualized process. Acquired traits are more specific to individuals as environment, experiences, injury, and disease, are just a few factors that decide and determine certain acquired traits. The change in reproduction patterns to accommodate for the weather/environment of the Uca Minax fiddler crab is an example of an acquired trait.
Compare and Contrast
The questions are listed below. Respond with either inherited or acquired trait based on your knowledge.
Which type of trait is based on Mendelian theory?-
The theory that multiple genomes affect passed on traits.-
Which trait occurs after birth and is mainly impacted by an individual’s environment?-
The Uca Minax fiddler crab showcases this trait through its dimorphic claws.-
The Uca Minax fiddler crab showcases this trait through the gradual change in reproduction patterns.-
Now consider your own traits. Do you have blue eyes or brown eyes? Blonde hair or black hair? Do you have increased endurance from playing sports or the ability to listen and identify music pitch because of lessons? Are these inherited or acquired traits? In the numbered list below, list 3 inherited and 3 acquired traits and make sure to identify which one it is. At the bottom, write the questions that you asked yourself to determine the categorization of your personal traits.
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Questions: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Watch the videos linked below if you have any additional questions and thank you for reading my upload!
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