Inherited Traits & Learned Behaviors

Inherited Traits• Traits passed from parent to

offspring

• Natural instincts

• Born with these traits

Neck length

Color of spots

Ability to see

Inherited TraitsEar size

Color of skin

Inherited Traits

Keen sense of smell

Sharp teeth

Rough skin

Motion detectors on skin

Color of petalsNumber of leaves

Thorns on stem

Are these inherited?

• Wilted leaves• Scar on an animal’s leg• Broken stems

No. These occur through interaction with the environment.

Learned (Behaviors)

• Behaviors learned from parents

• Adapted traits learned from living in an environment

• Takes time and practice

Learned Behaviors

Burrowing for safety

*Animals learn from living in their habitats

Using sticks to dig

Hiding from predators

Learned Behaviors

*Animals also learn through human interaction