Question

Write 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 and not inherited in the next generation? Explain the reason of this fact with an example.

Answer 1

$\begin{array}{ccc}& \text{Acquired traits}& \text{Inherited trais}\\ 1.& \text{Those traits that are}& \text{Those traits which}\\ & \text{developed by the}& \text{are present in an}\\ & \text{individual during his}& \text{individual since birth.}\\ & \text{lifetime.}& \\ 2.& \text{They are the result}& \text{They are the result of}\\ & \text{of changes in non-}& \text{Changes in the DNA.}\\ & \text{reproductive issues.}& \\ 3.& \text{They cannot be}& \text{They are transmitted}\\ & \text{passed on to the}& \text{to the progeny, e.g.}\\ & \text{progeny, e.g. pierced}& \text{colour of eyes, skin or}\\ & \text{ear, large muscle size}& \text{hair}\\ & \text{etc.}& \end{array}$
Traits can be passed on to the next generation only when they have some direct effect on the genes. The traits acquired during the lifetime of an individual cannot be inherited as they do not change the genetic make up of an organism, In fact,these traits develop due to use and disuse of organs or due to direct effect of environment.Thus, they are not passed on to the next generation. For example, a wrestler develops large muscles because of his training programme, it does not mean that his offspring will necessarily have large muscles.