Genetic Information

Acquired traits –vs- inherited traits

Reminder-what are traits?

• Traits are qualities or features of organisms. These traits distinguish the organism.

What about traits?

• Many of the traits you have are necessary for you to survive. In fact, traits are necessary for all creatures to survive in their habitat. (where they live)

• How would a polar bear do living in a Utah forest?

• How would squirrels do in the North Pole?• See—things generally have a structure that

allows them to survive in the area they live.

What other organisms have traits which help them survive?

• Rabbits?• Wolves?• Bugs?• Birds?• Fish?• Humans?

Traits can include any of the following and more. . . . .

• Hair color:

Tooth shape

Beak shape

Bone size

Muscle structure

So-what is the difference between acquired and inherited?

• Acquired includes things like calluses on fingers, larger muscle size from exercise or stronger hearts from running away quickly to avoid predators.

• Inherited is a trait that came from a parent or other ancestor. It can be your hair color, eye color, muscle structure, bone structure, shape of your nose or forehead. It could be long legs, big feet, small hands, etc.

Suppose you inherited your Dad’s long fingers?

• Does that mean you would be automatically good at playing the piano?

Nope—how would you get good?You would acquire the trait with lots of practice.

What about plants?

• Do they have all traits genetic to help survive or can they also acquire traits?

• Let’s see---(trees)

• So, what did you find out?

• Yes, trees can bend in the wind and grow certain ways to survive—acquired traits.

Turn to your neighbor and have a quick conversation about the following questions. Use 30m seconds per

question per person or less. Then write your answers on a paper w/your name—these will be handed in for points.

• Write in the correct question/answer format!!!• 1. What traits have you inherited?• 2. What traits have you acquired?• 3. Discuss 5 traits that a horse inherits.• 4. How do these traits help the horse survive?• 4. List three traits that a horse may acquire.• 5. What are 3 traits a plant may inherit?• 6. Can plants acquire traits, if so name one.

OKEE-DOKIE!!

• That is it for the genetic traits!• Remember that acquired traits are often learned

or gained from the environment that an organism lives. The acquired trait may be what is needed to survive—the organism adapts.

• The environment can have an influence on how the organism develops-for good or bad—how?

• Traits are inherited—like hair color, foot size, tall or short, etc.

Systems of the body---9!!!

Immune system—you know this one.

• This one makes the antibodies,• has the lymph fluid and lymph• nodes. It protects us from• germs and body invaders.

Circulatory System

• This includes the veins, arteries, blood, heart.• Our heart pumps the blood all through our body taking

nutrients & oxygen to our cells. It also picks up wastes and CO2 and sends it out of the body via the lungs.

Skeletal System

• This is our bones & ligaments.• also the cartilage.• Without this system we • would have no shape or• structure and could move well.

Excretory system

• Includes the kidneys,• ureters, bladder, • urethra.• This is the liquid • waste area of the • body. It keeps the• good and out with• the bad.

Muscular System

• This is all 656-850. The • answer depends on the• authority you ask.• You could not move or have• form without this special• system.

Endocrine System

• This includes all the• glands of the body &• all the hormones that• the glands produce.• Stuff like adrenaline,• insulin., etc.• The stomach and • pancreas are in this as• well as the reproductive• glands.

Digestive System

• This system has the • Job and digesting • Food so your body• can use it.• Liver, gallbladder,• stomach, small and• large intestines.

Nervous System

• This allows our brain• to relay messages • about what to do • and when to move • and etc.

Respiratory System

• This system allows• us to breath and • exhale the CO2. It fills• our blood with O2• so it can be delivered• to our cells.

Integumentary—Skin System

All these systems work together to help keep you body running smoothly and

efficiently = you feel well.