Acquired Traits

Acquired Traits An acquired trait is a physical characteristic that a living thing gets during its lifetime. A scar is an example of a physical trait that is acquired.

Acquired Traits Many acquired traits are also learned behaviors. A learned behavior is a skill that an animal develops after it is born. Acquired traits are NOT passed down from parents to their offspring.

Acquired Traits Some examples: Children learning to read A bird learning to fly A horse learning to stay away from an electric fence

Learned Behaviors Are you better at using the computer than some of the adults in your family? If so, you learned how to do this. You did not inherit this behavior from your parents. We learn many behaviors that help us every day. These behaviors include how to make a sandwich, roller skate, and be polite to others.

Can you learn behaviors that do not help you? YES! You can also learn behaviors that are not so helpful or good for you such as watching television or eating poorly.

Watch the video: 3-2-1 Contact How do they know how to do that? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj08D-tllHs

Can animals learn behaviors? YES! Like the mouse running through the maze. Can your dog sit?

Let’s review… An inherited trait is a physical characteristic that is passed from parents to their babies (offspring). A behavior is a way of acting. Inherited behaviors are called instincts. Learned behaviors are not inherited but learned from others.

Quiz Time

Which of these is an inherited trait? Liking the color red Having long fingers Wearing your hair in a ponytail Liking chocolate ice cream

Which of these is a learned behavior? Having long eyelashes Having curly hair Heading south in the fall Liking peanut butter sandwiches

Which of these can you change? Your instincts Your inherited traits Your learned behaviors Your inherited behaviors

A woman is a excellent cook A woman is a excellent cook. Why are her children likely to become good cooks? They will learn to cook by instinct They will learn to cook by watching They will inherit her cooking skills Cooking is an inherited trait

Exit Ticket What is the difference between an inherited trait and an acquired trait?