Explaining Variation in Running Ability

• Define the difference between inherited and acquired traits.

• Compare and contrast the processes of sexual and asexual reproduction.

• Explain how genes contribute to the variation of traits in a population.

• Use evidence to make a claim about how traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Key Vocabulary

Trait

A specific characteristic of an organism, like its eye color or its overall height.

Heredity

The passing of genetic traits from parents to their offspring through biological inheritance processes.

Gene

A basic unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to its offspring.

Reproduction

The biological process by which new individual organisms, also known as offspring, are produced.

Asexual Reproduction

A type of reproduction that involves only one single parent organism to create offspring.

Sexual Reproduction

A type of reproduction that involves two different parent organisms to create a new organism.

Key Vocabulary

Variation

The differences in traits between individuals of the same exact species.

Claim

A statement that answers a question, supported by strong scientific evidence.

Evidence

Scientific data or facts that support a claim made about something.

Inherited vs. Acquired Traits

• Inherited traits are passed down from your parents through genes.

• Acquired traits are developed during your lifetime.

• Inherited traits can be passed on, but acquired traits cannot.

Asexual Reproduction

• This type of reproduction involves only one parent.

• Offspring are genetically identical clones of the parent.

• It allows for rapid population growth in stable environments.

Sexual Reproduction

• This type of reproduction involves two different parents.

• Offspring inherit a unique mix of genes from both parents.

• Genetic variation helps species adapt to changing environments.

What Are Genes?

• Genes are small segments of DNA that provide instructions for an organism's specific traits.

• An offspring inherits a combination of genes from both parents during sexual reproduction.

• This genetic mix is why siblings can look very different from each other.

What Is Variation?

• The recombination of genes during reproduction is what leads to genetic variation.

• Variation describes the differences we can see among individuals, like height or eye color.

• This diversity helps a species adapt to and survive changes in their environment.

• Traits are inherited through genes or acquired from the environment.

• Asexual reproduction from one parent creates genetically identical offspring.

• Sexual reproduction from two parents creates genetically unique offspring.

• Mixing genes during sexual reproduction causes variation within a species.

• Genetic variation helps species adapt to changing environments.

• Scientists use evidence and data to support claims about heredity.