Question

What are the two differences between acquired and inherited traits?

Answer 1

Inherited traits are the characters which are inherited by the offspring from the parents. These traits are present in the form of genetic material, DNA. Genetic material is carried by the vehicles of inheritance, the chromosomes. Each gamete of opposite sex participating in the sexual reproduction donates the traits in the form of genetic material. These traits are expressed in the offspring and later carried on to nect generation. Such traits which are carried from one generation to another generation are called as inherited traits. Like skin colour, hair colour etc.

Acquired traits as the name says are acquired by the individual during its life time. Acquired traits are due to changes in the life style, injury, loss of body parts, disuse of some body parts. These are the traits which occur in the somatic cells. Changes in the somatic cells are not passed on to the offspring belonging to next generation. The are the traits like a wrestler acquires huge muscles due to his workout program but cannot pass it to his ofsprings.