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Inherited vs Acquired Traits

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Inherited vs Acquired Traits

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DNA strand and learning symbols

🎬 Part 1: Trait Detective - Netflix Style Scenarios

Instructions: Read each scenario below and determine if the trait described is inherited (passed from parents) or acquired (learned or developed). Circle your answer and write evidence from the scenario.

1. Scenario: A dolphin at Sea World must practice tricks and acts with trainers to perform for a sold-out crowd.

Inherited Trait

Acquired Trait

Evidence from scenario: _________________________________________________

2. Scenario: A golden retriever puppy has the same golden coat color as both of its parents, even though it has never met them.

Inherited Trait

Acquired Trait

Evidence from scenario: _________________________________________________

3. Scenario: Maria speaks three languages fluently because her family moved to different countries when she was young.

Inherited Trait

Acquired Trait

Evidence from scenario: _________________________________________________

4. Scenario: All the male lions in a pride have thick, dark manes just like their fathers had.

Inherited Trait

Acquired Trait

Evidence from scenario: _________________________________________________

🔍 Part 2: More Trait Scenarios

5. Scenario: Jake has brown eyes exactly like his mother, while his sister has blue eyes like their father.

Inherited Trait

Acquired Trait

Evidence from scenario: _________________________________________________

6. Scenario: A professional basketball player spent years practicing free throws and can now make 9 out of 10 shots.

Inherited Trait

Acquired Trait

Evidence from scenario: _________________________________________________

7. Scenario: A baby bird knows how to build a nest without ever being taught by its parents.

Inherited Trait

Acquired Trait

Evidence from scenario: _________________________________________________

8. Scenario: After years of working outdoors, a construction worker has developed very tan, weathered skin.

Inherited Trait

Acquired Trait

Evidence from scenario: _________________________________________________

💭 Part 3: Reflection

9. Explain the difference between inherited and acquired traits in your own words:

10. Give one example of an inherited trait and one example of an acquired trait from your own life:

My inherited trait: _______________________________________________

My acquired trait: _______________________________________________

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