Question

With the help of one example for each, distinguish between the acquired traits and the inherited traits. Why are the traits/experiences acquired during the entire lifetime of an individual not inherited in the next generation? Explain the reason of this fact with an example.

Answer 1

Acquired traits	Inherited traits
These traits are acquired during the lifetime	These traits are already present in the organism from birth
They are not passed on to the next generation	They are passed on to the next generation
Example: Increase in body weight, length of hair, etc.	Example: Hair colour, eye colour, etc.

There are certain characters or traits developed during the lifetime of an individual and are known as the acquired characters. There are traits which are expressed just physically and do not have any genetic significance like an increase in the weight and length of the hair. These traits are generally not passed on to the next generation as there are no genes which are coding for these traits.

If these acquired traits are developed due to some type of genetic mutation, then the character can be passed on to the next generation.