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a. Inherited vs. acquired physical traits (S5L2. b)

In this topic we explain and provide examples of the differences between inherited and acquired traits. Take your guided video notes as you follow along with the video, complete your games and interactive activities, and do great on your topic quiz!

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Inherited traits illustration showing passing traits from parents to offspring with a girl, butterfly, and text.
FSI Courses: Inherited vs. Acquired Physical Traits Review Game

FSI Courses: Inherited vs. Acquired Physical Traits Review Game

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Inherited vs. Acquired Traits — Grade 5 GSE Interactive

Inherited vs. Acquired Physical Traits • Grade 5 (GSE S5L2)

S5L2

Quick Read

What is a trait? A trait is a physical characteristic of a plant or animal, like leaf shape, eye color, blood type, or fur pattern.
Inherited traits Inherited traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes. Examples: natural eye color, blood type, dimples, leaf shape, flower color in many plants.
Acquired traits Acquired traits are physical changes caused by environment or experiences, not by genes. Examples: a scar from a fall, pierced ears, suntan, calluses, tree trunk bent by wind, leaves chewed by insects.
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Graph & Diagrams

Classroom Survey: Trait Sources Bar chart comparing counts labeled inherited vs acquired. 0 10 20 30 Inherited: 24 Acquired: 18
InheritedAcquired
Family Trait Model
Environment Effect (Plant)
Damage vs. Genes (Leaf)

Drag & Drop: Sort the Trait Cards

Drag each card into the correct bin. Tip: on touch devices, tap a card to select, then tap a bin to place.

Card Bank

Natural eye colorMove
Blood type (A, B, AB, O)Move
Natural hairline (widow’s peak)Move
Freckles tendencyMove
Leaf shape of a mapleMove
Flower color in pea plantsMove
Pierced earsMove
Scar from a bike fallMove
Suntan after beach tripMove
Calluses from guitar practiceMove
Tree trunk bent by windMove
Leaves with insect chew holesMove

Inherited

Acquired

Dropdown Practice

Kitten is born with white fur and a black tail tip.
Student develops a suntan after a summer at Jekyll Island.
Pine tree grows with a bent trunk because of strong coastal winds.
Child’s blood type is O.
Runner’s leg muscles get larger after months of training.

Milestones-Style Questions (5)

1. Which example shows an inherited physical trait?



Genes determine blood type. Scars, training changes, and suntans are acquired.
2. A rose bush has leaves with insect chew marks in May but healthy leaves in April. Which claim is best supported?



Damage from insects is environmental and not inherited.
3. Which set lists only inherited physical traits?



Eye color, blood type, and natural hairline are inherited. Others are acquired.
4. Students grow identical bean seeds. One set gets strong light; one set grows in shade. The shaded plants are shorter. Which conclusion is best?



Same genes + different light → environmental effect (acquired difference).
5. After summer, a student’s skin is darker than in spring. Which statement is most accurate?



Sunlight increases melanin production (acquired). Genes are unchanged.

Finish & Score