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Acquired and Inherited Traits - Difference & Meaning

Acquired and Inherited Traits - Difference & Meaning

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:12 PM IST

Acquired and Inherited traits explain how organisms adapt to their environment. Acquired traits are those that develop in the lifetime of the organism itself, whereas inherited traits are passed on from generation to generation. In the major exams like NEET, AIIMS, Nursing and paramedical entrance exams around 2-3% of the total marks are based on this biology topic of CBSE Class 12 Chapter Principles of Inheritance and Variation.

This Story also Contains
  1. Acquired Traits
  2. Acquired Traits Examples
  3. Inherited Traits
  4. Inherited Traits Examples
  5. Difference between Acquired Traits and Inherited Traits
  6. Why are Acquired Traits not Inherited?
  7. Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Prepare for Acquired and Inherited Traits
  8. Weightage of Questions from Acquired and Inherited Traits in different Exams
  9. Types of Questions asked on Acquired and Inherited Traits in different exams
  10. Recommended Video on Acquired and Inherited Traits

Acquired Traits

A trait that creates a phenotype that is affected by various environmental activities is known as an acquired trait. Acquired characteristics are not encoded in the DNA of a person, so many scientists thought that they could not be transferred to the next generation during reproduction. A trait must be a part of any particular genotype to be handed down to the next generation. It means an acquired trait is built into the DNA of that person.

The non-heritable modifications in the function and shape of the living organisms that come over after birth as any disease, abuse, accident, cut and other environmental effects. Acquired characteristics and acquired traits are both similar types of things. They are not passed through generations. Acquired characteristics can take a number of forms and have various sides of visibility, but they all have one thing in general.

As an example of an acquired trait, The muscles of a bodybuilder she gain it by doing hard physical exercises and strict diets.

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Acquired Traits Examples

Muscle Building: The growing of muscles that results from performing regular weight training is an acquired trait.
Language Proficiency: The knowledge of multiple languages, which is acquired through learning and practice, is an acquired trait.
Tanned Skin: Getting dark-skinned due to the multiple exposures to the sun is an acquired trait.

Lamarck, Darwin And Acquired Traits

The great scientist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck does the fault of thinking that acquired traits may be transferred from the parents to their children and that their offspring become more favourable to their environment and more eligible than parents. This theory was published in the first publication of the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection of Charles Darwin. However, this was removed after some objections that acquired characteristics do not transfer from generation to generation.

The offspring of bodybuilders with more and stronger muscles could be an example of an acquired trait. Lamarck thought that the offspring would be born with the similar size and shape of muscles as their parents. But in reality, the larger muscles were not transferred to the children because it was an acquired characteristic which is a result of hard physical training and proper protein gain.

Inherited Traits

These traits or characteristics are transferred from parents to their young ones. Humans have acquired features such as the colour of hair, eye colour, skin tone, shape of body, and height. The particular hereditary features are defined by their genes. In a single human cell, there are about 25,000 to 35,000 genes. All the characteristics that a child gets from his parents are encoded in genes.

Sir Gregor John Mendel popularized the concept of hereditary characters with the help of his pea experiment. He explained dominant characteristics as those that are visible in the offspring, whereas recessive traits are those that are not visible in them.

Sir Gregor John Mendel used the following inheritance laws to explain the hereditary traits:

Law of Dominance

The law of dominance states that when two opposite types of character are present in a single, only one dominates itself in the F1 progeny and is referred to as the dominant trait. The recessive trait is the opposite of the dominant trait.

Law of Segregation

The law of segregation states that during the formation of gametes, two copies of every hereditary character segregate so that offspring or F2 generation get one character from each parent or F1 generation.

Law of Independent Assortment

The law of independent assortment states that when two pairs of traits are combined again, the segregation of one's character pairs during gamete production is not dependent on the other's character pairs.

In a current study we get to know that Lamarck was not fully wrong, because according to the researchers of Columbia University Medical Center, the roundworms have the quality of resistance from a special virus so they handed that protection down to their offspring for the next generations.

Inherited Traits Examples

Blood Type: Inherited blood type could either be A, B, AB, or O.
Eye Color: The genes from parents give a person their eye colour.
Ear Shape: Ear shape is another aspect of the body that is inherited.

Difference between Acquired Traits and Inherited Traits

The main differences between acquired traits and inherited traits are as follows:

Acquired Traits

Inherited Traits

  • These traits deal with some of the variations.
  • These traits have some differences in genes.
  • These traits are learned from the living organisms along with their life.
  • These traits are present in living organisms from the it's birth.
  • These traits can not be transferred from one generation to the next generation.
  • This trait can be transferred from one generation to their offspring.
  • There are no modifications that occurred as a result of an alteration in DNA.
  • In this trait, many changes are caused by modifications in DNA.
  • These traits do not have any control of genes.
  • These traits are commanded by genes.
  • These qualities change according to the environmental changes around living organisms.
  • There is no effect of environmental changes on this trait.


Why are Acquired Traits not Inherited?

Acquired traits are not transferred as they do not affect the DNA of the organism, and thus refer as the genetic code.
These are thus encoded into the DNA of an organism and then passed down to progeny through various reproductive processes.
Lamarck proposed that acquired traits are heritable, yet there is no evidence supporting this theory except for scientific proof that such is impossible.
The experiments done by Mendel and the discovery of DNA structure by Watson and Crick proved that the features encoded within genes are the ones inherited.
Example: Muscles gained through exercise are an acquired trait and thus will not be passed to their offspring since it does not alter the genetic material.

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Prepare for Acquired and Inherited Traits

Prepare Study Aids: Use diagrams or compare tables to show the difference between acquired and inherited traits so that important concepts seem more tangible in your mind.

Use Mnemonics: Use mnemonics to remember specific points on inheritance by using words like "GED" (Genes, Environment, DNA) when recalling how traits are inherited and acquired.

Multimedia Learning: Watch videos or animations related to genetic inheritance and evolution. These indeed make concepts as complex and hard to understand as the story of Mendel's experiment or that of Lamarck's discredited theory so easy to understand.

Apply to Real Life: Try to relate how inherited and acquired traits pertain to your daily life, like hair colour, which is inherited, and muscle gain, which is acquired.

Use flashcards: Again, make flashcards of important terms such as "genetic traits," "Lamarckism," or "natural selection," and challenge yourself to distinguish between characteristics that are acquired vs. inherited.

Weightage of Questions from Acquired and Inherited Traits in different Exams

Here's a summary of the weightage of questions related to acquired and inherited traits in various exams:

Exam TypeWeightage of Acquired and Inherited Traits
CBSE Board Exams5-8%
NEET2-3%
Nursing Entrance Exams3-4%
Paramedical Entrance Exams2-4%


Types of Questions asked on Acquired and Inherited Traits in different exams

Here's a summary of the various types of questions asked in different exams on acquired and inherited traits:

Exam TypeTypes of Questions
CBSE Board Exams
  • Definition and differences between acquired and inherited traits
  • Examples of inherited traits
  • Short answers on Mendel’s experiments
NEET
  • MCQs on genetic inheritance and acquired traits
  • Assertion and reason questions
  • Long answer questions on genetic variation
Nursing Entrance Exams
  • True/False questions
  • Scenario-based questions on genetic disorders and acquired traits
Paramedical Entrance Exams
  • Questions on the impact of inherited traits on health and development
  • Case studies on genetic conditions and inheritance patterns


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Conclusion

Understanding the difference between acquired and inherited traits is important for students wanting to study genetics. Acquired traits are developed by the environment and by learning, whereas inherited traits are passed on through genes. The study of these traits serves as an important framework for understanding the complexities that include genetics, evolution, and heredity in biology.

Recommended Video on Acquired and Inherited Traits


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Give some examples of Acquired Traits.

Swimming, cycling, knowledge, cooking, reading, etc are few examples of acquired traits.

2. Which traits take part in evolution?

Inherited traits always take part in the evolution.

3. Who gives the three laws of inheritance ? Mention them.

The three laws of inheritance is given by Sir Gregor John Mendel on the basis of his pea experiment. His all three laws are given below :

  • Law of Dominance 

  • Law of Segregation 

  • Law of Independent Assortment 

4. Write some examples of Inherited Traits.

The few examples of this trait are colour of hair, eyelid colour, brown curly hairs, skin tone, etc.

5. Does acquired traits responsible for any change in genes?

No, there is not any effect on genetic character due to acquired traits. This trait changes with the passage of time  and is not responsible for any genetic alteration.

6. What is the difference between learned behavior and inherited traits?

Learned behaviour, like acquired traits, is the actions or behaviours learned from experience or environment, like riding a bicycle. Inherited traits, on the other hand, are those which are genetically determined, including hair colour passed from the parent to the child through DNA.

7. Why are acquired traits not inherited?

Acquired traits cannot be inherited as they do not affect the DNA or genetic code in the organism. Genetic changes are transmitted through reproduction; that is, changes in the genetic material itself-DNA.

8. What are acquired and inherited traits with example?
  • Acquired traits are characteristics developed during an individual's lifetime due to environmental influence (e.g., learning to ride a bike).
  • Inherited traits are passed genetically from parents to offspring (e.g., eye colour).
9. What is acquired inheritance traits?

There is no such thing as acquired inheritance traits; acquired traits are not passed genetically to the next generation.

10. How do acquired traits contribute to an organism's adaptability?
Acquired traits allow organisms to adapt to their environment within their lifetime. This adaptability can improve survival and reproductive success, even though the traits themselves are not inherited. The capacity to acquire certain traits in response to environmental conditions (phenotypic plasticity) is an inherited trait that can evolve over time.
11. How does the concept of developmental plasticity relate to acquired traits?
Developmental plasticity refers to an organism's ability to alter its developmental trajectory in response to environmental cues. This results in acquired traits that are not genetically inherited but are influenced by the interaction between genes and the environment during development. The capacity for developmental plasticity itself is an inherited trait.
12. How do acquired traits relate to the concept of adaptation in evolution?
While acquired traits themselves are not directly involved in evolutionary adaptation, they play an indirect role. Acquired traits can help organisms survive and reproduce in their current environment. If there's a genetic basis for acquiring beneficial traits more easily, natural selection may favor individuals with this genetic predisposition, leading to evolutionary adaptation over time.
13. What is the relationship between acquired traits and phenotypic variation?
Acquired traits contribute significantly to phenotypic variation – the range of observable characteristics in a population. While inherited traits provide the genetic basis for characteristics, acquired traits allow for additional variation based on environmental influences. This interplay between inherited and acquired traits results in the diverse phenotypes observed in nature.
14. How do acquired immune responses differ from inherited immune traits?
Acquired immune responses, such as the production of specific antibodies after exposure to a pathogen, are developed during an individual's lifetime and are not genetically passed to offspring. Inherited immune traits, like the basic structure of the immune system and innate immunity components, are encoded in DNA and passed from parents to offspring.
15. Can cultural practices be considered acquired traits, and how do they relate to biological evolution?
Cultural practices are typically considered acquired traits as they are learned and not genetically inherited. However, cultural practices can influence biological evolution through a process called gene-culture coevolution. For instance, the cultural practice of dairy farming has influenced the evolution of lactose tolerance in some human populations.
16. What role do acquired traits play in the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria?
In bacteria, acquired traits can play a crucial role in antibiotic resistance. Bacteria can acquire resistance through horizontal gene transfer or mutations in response to antibiotic exposure. While the initial acquisition of resistance may be an acquired trait, bacteria that survive can pass this resistance to offspring as an inherited trait, leading to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant populations.
17. How do acquired traits in plants, such as grafting, differ from inherited traits?
Grafting in plants is an example of an acquired trait where tissues from different plants are joined together. The resulting plant may have characteristics of both original plants, but these are not inherited traits. When the grafted plant reproduces, its offspring will only inherit the genetic traits of the plant that provided the reproductive tissues, not the acquired traits from grafting.
18. How do acquired traits in one generation potentially influence natural selection in future generations?
Acquired traits in one generation can influence the environment and selective pressures for future generations. For example, if a population acquires a trait that significantly alters its environment, this new environment may favor certain inherited traits in future generations. This concept is known as niche construction and highlights the indirect influence of acquired traits on evolution.
19. How do acquired traits in microorganisms differ from those in complex organisms?
In microorganisms, some acquired traits can be passed on to offspring through horizontal gene transfer, where genetic material is exchanged between different species. This is different from complex organisms where acquired traits are not genetically inherited. However, the genetic capacity for horizontal gene transfer is itself an inherited trait in microorganisms.
20. What is the fundamental difference between acquired and inherited traits?
Acquired traits are characteristics an organism develops during its lifetime in response to environmental factors or experiences, while inherited traits are genetic characteristics passed down from parents to offspring through DNA. Acquired traits cannot be passed on to future generations, but inherited traits can.
21. How do identical twins demonstrate the difference between inherited and acquired traits?
Identical twins have the same inherited traits because they share identical DNA. However, as they grow and experience different environments, they may develop different acquired traits. This demonstrates that while inherited traits are fixed at conception, acquired traits can vary based on an individual's experiences and environment.
22. How do acquired immunity and inherited immunity differ?
Acquired immunity is developed during an individual's lifetime through exposure to pathogens or vaccines. It is an acquired trait and not passed on genetically. Inherited immunity, on the other hand, refers to the innate immune system components that are encoded in an organism's DNA and passed from parents to offspring.
23. How does the concept of phenotypic plasticity relate to acquired traits?
Phenotypic plasticity refers to an organism's ability to change its phenotype (observable characteristics) in response to environmental conditions. These changes are acquired traits. The capacity for phenotypic plasticity itself is an inherited trait, but the specific changes that occur are acquired and not passed on to offspring genetically.
24. Can behavioral traits be inherited?
Yes, some behavioral traits can have a genetic component and be inherited. However, most behaviors result from a complex interaction between inherited predispositions and environmental influences. It's often difficult to separate the effects of nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) on behavior.
25. How does the concept of heritability relate to inherited traits?
Heritability is a measure of how much variation in a trait within a population can be attributed to genetic factors. It helps quantify the degree to which a trait is inherited. High heritability suggests that differences in the trait among individuals are largely due to genetic differences, while low heritability indicates a stronger influence of environmental factors.
26. How do chromosomal abnormalities affect inherited traits?
Chromosomal abnormalities, such as deletions, duplications, or rearrangements, can significantly affect inherited traits. These abnormalities can alter the genetic information passed on to offspring, potentially leading to new inherited traits or genetic disorders. Unlike acquired traits, these changes in chromosomal structure can be inherited if they occur in reproductive cells.
27. Can environmental factors influence the expression of inherited traits?
Yes, environmental factors can influence the expression of inherited traits through a process called gene expression. While the genetic code itself (the inherited trait) doesn't change, environmental conditions can affect how genes are "read" and translated into physical or behavioral characteristics. This phenomenon is part of the broader field of epigenetics.
28. How does the environment interact with inherited traits?
The environment can interact with inherited traits through a process called gene-environment interaction. While the genetic code (inherited trait) provides instructions, environmental factors can influence how those instructions are carried out. This interaction can lead to variations in how inherited traits are expressed in different environments.
29. Can acquired traits ever influence natural selection?
While acquired traits themselves are not inherited, they can indirectly influence natural selection. If an acquired trait improves an organism's survival and reproductive success, individuals with a genetic predisposition to develop that trait may be more likely to pass on their genes. Over time, this can lead to changes in the population's genetic makeup.
30. What is the relationship between genotype and inherited traits?
Genotype refers to an organism's genetic makeup, which determines its inherited traits. The genotype contains all the genetic information that can be passed on to offspring. However, not all genes in the genotype are expressed, and environmental factors can influence how genes are expressed, leading to variations in inherited traits.
31. How do mutations relate to inherited traits?
Mutations are changes in DNA sequences that can create new inherited traits. If a mutation occurs in reproductive cells (sperm or egg), it can be passed on to offspring and become a heritable trait. Mutations are a source of genetic variation and play a crucial role in evolution.
32. How do dominant and recessive alleles relate to inherited traits?
Dominant and recessive alleles are different versions of a gene that can result in different inherited traits. A dominant allele will be expressed even if only one copy is present, while a recessive allele is only expressed if two copies are present. This system helps explain how certain inherited traits are passed on and expressed in offspring.
33. Can stress-induced changes in an organism be passed on to offspring?
Stress-induced changes in an organism are typically acquired traits and not directly inherited. However, recent research in epigenetics suggests that some stress-induced changes might influence gene expression in ways that can be passed on to offspring. This field is still being studied, and the extent and stability of such inheritance are not fully understood.
34. Can learned behaviors be considered inherited traits?
Learned behaviors are typically considered acquired traits, not inherited traits. However, the capacity to learn certain behaviors can be an inherited trait. For example, a bird's ability to learn songs is inherited, but the specific song learned is acquired. Some behaviors may have both inherited and acquired components, making it complex to categorize them definitively.
35. How does genetic engineering challenge the traditional understanding of inherited traits?
Genetic engineering allows for the artificial introduction of new traits into an organism's genome, which can then be inherited by offspring. This challenges the traditional understanding of inherited traits as solely those passed down naturally from parents. It blurs the line between acquired and inherited traits, as traits that would typically be impossible to inherit naturally can now be engineered and passed on.
36. What is the role of DNA in distinguishing between acquired and inherited traits?
DNA is the key to distinguishing between acquired and inherited traits. Inherited traits are encoded in an organism's DNA and can be passed on to offspring. Acquired traits, which develop during an organism's lifetime, do not alter the DNA sequence and therefore cannot be passed on genetically. DNA serves as the blueprint for inherited traits but does not change to reflect acquired traits.
37. How does the concept of genetic assimilation relate to the interplay between acquired and inherited traits?
Genetic assimilation is a theoretical process where an acquired trait that is repeatedly induced by the environment over many generations eventually becomes an inherited trait through natural selection. This concept suggests a potential long-term interaction between acquired and inherited traits, though direct evidence for this process in nature is limited.
38. Can acquired traits ever become "inherited" through consistent environmental pressures over many generations?
Acquired traits themselves do not become inherited in a genetic sense. However, if an environmental pressure consistently favors individuals who can easily acquire a certain trait, natural selection may lead to the evolution of genetic predispositions for that trait over many generations. This process can make it appear as if an acquired trait has become "inherited," though it's actually the predisposition that has evolved.
39. How do acquired traits in plants, such as induced defenses, differ from inherited defensive traits?
Acquired traits in plants, like induced defenses triggered by pest attacks, are developed in response to environmental stimuli and are not passed on genetically. Inherited defensive traits, such as the ability to produce certain toxins, are encoded in the plant's DNA and can be passed to offspring. The capacity to induce defenses is itself an inherited trait, even if the specific induced changes are not.
40. What is the difference between Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance of traits?
Mendelian inheritance follows the principles established by Gregor Mendel, where traits are passed on through dominant and recessive alleles in predictable patterns. Non-Mendelian inheritance includes more complex patterns such as incomplete dominance, codominance, and polygenic inheritance. Both types describe how inherited traits are passed on, but non-Mendelian inheritance accounts for more complex genetic interactions.
41. What is the difference between somatic mutations and germline mutations in terms of inheritance?
Somatic mutations occur in body cells and are acquired traits that cannot be passed on to offspring. Germline mutations, however, occur in reproductive cells (sperm or eggs) and can be passed on to offspring as inherited traits. Only germline mutations have the potential to affect future generations.
42. What is the difference between somatic cell gene therapy and germline gene therapy in terms of inherited traits?
Somatic cell gene therapy involves modifying genes in non-reproductive body cells. These changes are acquired traits and cannot be passed on to offspring. Germline gene therapy, on the other hand, involves modifying genes in reproductive cells or embryos. These changes become inherited traits that can be passed on to future generations, raising significant ethical considerations.
43. Can epigenetic changes be considered a bridge between acquired and inherited traits?
Epigenetic changes can be seen as a bridge between acquired and inherited traits to some extent. They are influenced by environmental factors (like acquired traits) but can potentially be passed on to offspring (like inherited traits). However, epigenetic inheritance is not as stable or well-understood as genetic inheritance, and its role in evolution is still being researched.
44. Can epigenetic changes induced by the environment be considered a form of inherited acquired trait?
Epigenetic changes induced by the environment occupy a gray area between acquired and inherited traits. While they are influenced by environmental factors like acquired traits, some epigenetic modifications can be passed to offspring, resembling inherited traits. However, epigenetic inheritance is generally less stable than genetic inheritance and its long-term evolutionary significance is still being studied.
45. Can acquired traits ever become inherited traits?
No, acquired traits cannot become inherited traits. This misconception, known as Lamarckism, has been disproven. Changes to an organism's body or behavior during its lifetime do not alter its DNA, so these acquired characteristics cannot be passed on to offspring genetically.
46. How do epigenetic changes differ from acquired traits?
Epigenetic changes are modifications to gene expression that can be influenced by environmental factors and may be inherited by offspring. Unlike acquired traits, epigenetic changes can affect how genes are read without altering the DNA sequence itself. However, epigenetic inheritance is not as stable or predictable as genetic inheritance.
47. Why can't giraffes pass on their long necks as an acquired trait to their offspring?
Giraffes' long necks are an inherited trait, not an acquired one. The length of a giraffe's neck is determined by its genes, not by stretching during its lifetime. Even if a giraffe were to somehow lengthen its neck during its life, this change would not alter its DNA and therefore could not be passed on to its offspring.
48. What role do acquired traits play in evolution?
Acquired traits do not directly contribute to evolution because they cannot be inherited. However, they can indirectly influence evolution by affecting an organism's survival and reproductive success. If an acquired trait helps an organism survive and reproduce more effectively, individuals with genetic predispositions for developing that trait may be more likely to pass on their genes.
49. Can lifestyle choices affect inherited traits in future generations?
Lifestyle choices do not directly affect inherited traits in future generations, as they do not alter DNA sequences. However, certain lifestyle factors may influence epigenetic changes, which can potentially be inherited. It's important to note that epigenetic inheritance is not as stable or well-understood as genetic inheritance.
50. How do epigenetic marks differ from genetic mutations in terms of inheritance?
Epigenetic marks are chemical modifications that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. They can be influenced by environmental factors and may be inherited, but this inheritance is often less stable than genetic inheritance. Genetic mutations, on the other hand, are changes in the DNA sequence itself and are more reliably inherited across generations.
51. What is the relationship between acquired traits and the concept of "use and disuse" in evolution?
The concept of "use and disuse" in evolution, proposed by Lamarck, suggested that acquired traits resulting from the use or disuse of body parts could be inherited. This idea has been disproven – acquired traits from use or disuse are not directly inherited. However, if using or not using a body part affects survival and reproduction, it can indirectly influence evolution through natural selection.
52. How does the concept of phenotypic accommodation relate to acquired traits?
Phenotypic accommodation refers to the adjustment of other traits to a new mutation or environmental change without genetic change. This results in acquired traits that help an organism function with the new condition. While these accommodations are not inherited, they can buffer the effects of mutations or environmental changes, potentially influencing the course of evolution.
53. What is the difference between behavioral inheritance and genetic inheritance of behaviors?
Behavioral inheritance involves the transmission of behaviors through social learning or cultural transmission, resulting in acquired traits. Genetic inheritance of behaviors involves the passing of genes that predispose an organism to certain behaviors. While learned behaviors can be passed on culturally, they do not alter the genetic makeup of offspring.
54. How do acquired traits in one species potentially influence the evolution of other species in an ecosystem?
Acquired traits in one species can alter the environmental conditions and selective pressures for other species in an ecosystem. This can lead to evolutionary changes in the affected species, a concept known as coevolution. For example, acquired behavioral changes in predators can influence the evolution of defensive traits in prey species over time.
55. Can the ability to acquire certain traits be considered an inherited trait itself?
Yes, the ability to acquire certain traits, often referred to as plasticity, can be an inherited trait. The genetic capacity to respond to environmental cues and develop appropriate acquired traits can evolve through natural selection. This inherited plasticity allows organisms to adapt to varying environments within their lifetime.
56. How does the concept of genetic accommodation relate to the interplay between acquired and inherited traits?
Genetic accommodation is a process where a trait that initially requires environmental induction to be expressed (an acquired trait) evolves to be expressed without the environmental trigger. This represents a shift

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