With the help of one example for each, distinguish between ...

CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 Outside Delhi Term II Set 1 Paper

Question : 21 of 36

Marks: +1, -0

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

Solution:

S.No.	Acquired traits	Inherited traits
1	Those traits that are developed by the individual during his lifetime.	Those traits which are present in an individual since birth.
2	They are a result of changes in nonreproductive issues.	They are a result of changes in the DNA.
3	They cannot be passed on to the progeny, e.g., pierced ear, large muscle size etc.	They are transmitted in the progeny, e.g. colour of eyes, skin or hair.

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 affect 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. Similarly, if a lady pierces her nose,the children produced to her will not have pierced nose by birth.

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