Inheritance Vocabulary · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Inherited or acquired?

Science · Organisms & Life Processes · ages 8-10
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. Which feature is an example of an acquired characteristic?

    • Natural eye colour affected by inherited genes
    • A suntan after time in the sun
    • Natural fur colour affected by inherited genes

  2. Which feature is an example of an inherited characteristic?

    • Natural eye colour
    • A scar from a fall
    • A swimming skill learned in lessons

  3. A trait is a feature of a living thing, such as ear shape or fur colour.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. What word means the young produced by parent animals or plants?

    • Offspring
    • Adult animals
    • Plant roots

  5. Two puppies have the same parents. One has brown fur and one has black fur. What word names this difference within their species?

    • Breed
    • Environment
    • Variation

  6. Variation between dogs of the same species can come only from their environment, never from inherited genes.

    Circle one:   True   False

  7. Nia says a Labrador and a Poodle belong to different species because they are different breeds. Which description fits these dogs?

    • Different species within one animal breed
    • Different stages within one animal life cycle
    • Different breeds within one species

  8. Leo says, 'My muscles got stronger through sports practice, so that change is inherited.' Which reply explains this change?

    • Every change in muscle strength must be inherited
    • The increase from practice is an acquired change
    • Sports practice cannot change muscle strength at all
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Inherited or acquired? W1-mt_h4abSktujo-s1

  1. A suntan after time in the sun · Sunlight can cause a suntan during life. This makes the suntan an acquired characteristic.
  2. Natural eye colour · Genes inherited from parents affect natural eye colour. The injury scar and learned swimming skill are acquired.
  3. True · Ear shape and fur colour are features of living things. Trait is the word for a feature.
  4. Offspring · Offspring are the young produced by parents. Puppies and seedlings are examples.
  5. Variation · Variation means differences among members of the same species. These puppies differ in fur colour.
  6. False · Differences within a species can involve inherited genes, environment, or both. The statement leaves out genes.
  7. Different breeds within one species · Labradors and Poodles are different dog breeds. Both belong to the dog species.
  8. The increase from practice is an acquired change · Leo describes an increase caused by practice during his life. That increase is acquired, even though genes can also affect muscles.
Worksheet · LightMySky