---
title: "Inherited characteristics"
description: "Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/inherited-characteristics-mt_1wxwg782yX
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/inherited-characteristics-mt_1wxwg782yX.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Inherited characteristics

Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms

Subject: Science · Area: Organisms & Life Processes · Ages 8 to 9
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/inherited-characteristics-mt_1wxwg782yX

## Ready when they can

- Define inherited traits as characteristics passed from parents to offspring
- Collect or interpret data showing variation within a group (e.g. different heights, colours, sizes)
- Explain that while traits are inherited, there is natural variation among individuals of the same species

## Lesson: Inherited traits and variation

You have compared offspring with their parents. An inherited trait is a characteristic affected by genetic information passed from parents to offspring. Fur color and seed shape are examples. This information helps explain family resemblance. A scar from an injury or a skill gained through practice is acquired during life, not inherited through genes.

*(drawing: Sunflower heights in centimeters: 45, 52, 39 and 47. The plants in this garden vary in height.)*

**Example.** To find how much taller one plant is, compare the heights. The tallest is 52 cm and the shortest is 39 cm. Find the difference by counting up: 39 to 40 adds 1, 40 to 50 adds 10, and 50 to 52 adds 2. Add the jumps: 1 + 10 + 2 = 13. The height difference is 52 - 39 = 13 cm.

**Example.** To count plants taller than 46 cm, check each height against 46. Only 52 cm and 47 cm are greater, so two plants count. A plant measuring exactly 46 cm would not count as taller than 46 cm.

*(drawing: Kitten coat patterns: 1 with white paws, 3 without. All four share parents and have orange fur.)*

Variation means differences within a species. Record each kitten's coat pattern, then count each pattern. Siblings can inherit different mixes of genes, so different coat patterns do not rule out shared parents.

Plants from one seed packet can vary in height. Genes and growing conditions, such as light and water, can affect height and weight. Measurements show differences, but cannot tell us how much each cause contributed.

**Recap.** Compare traits to describe variation. Differences alone do not tell us their cause.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Offspring resemble parents](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/offspring-resemble-parents-mt_cEzX5r7kp0)
- [Inheritance Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/inheritance-vocabulary-mt_h4abSktujo)

## Opens up

- [Traits: inherited and environmental](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/traits-inherited-and-environmental-mt_Tls5qJ4p0L)
- [Variation & Survival Advantage](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/variation-and-survival-advantage-mt_UR5LvBeyF1)