Question

Why are traits acquired during a lifetime not inherited?

Answer 1

Acquired Traits:

1. An acquired trait is the character developed in an individual as a result of environmental influence.
2. These traits are not coded by the DNA of a living organism and therefore cannot be passed on to future generations.
3. Acquired traits during a lifetime are not inherited in the successive generation as the changes do not reflect in the DNA of the germ cells.

For example:

1. A cricket player cannot pass on his skills to the next generation as the traits acquired during his lifetime are limited only to non-reproductive cells.
2. However, any mutations in the germ cells can result in the new traits being acquired by the successive generation.