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.