Name the plant Mendel used for his experiment. What type of progeny was obtained by Mendel in and generations when he crossed the tall and short plants? Write the ratio he obtained in generation plants.
Name the plant Mendel used for his experiment. What type of progeny was obtained by Mendel in and generations when he crossed the tall and short plants? Write the ratio he obtained in generation plants.
Official answer
The differences between acquired traits and inherited traits are:
| Feature | Acquired Traits | Inherited Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Traits developed by an organism during its lifetime in response to environmental conditions. | Traits passed from parents to offspring through genetic material (DNA). |
| Genetic Change | Do not bring about any change in the DNA of germ cells. | Involve changes in the DNA of germ cells. |
| Transmission | Cannot be passed on to the next generation. | Are transmitted to the next generation. |
| Example | Learning to play the piano, weight loss due to starvation, or a scar from an injury. | Eye colour, hair texture, skin colour, or blood group. |
Marking scheme
- 1.First difference (Definition/Transmission): 1 Mark
- 2.Second difference (Genetic change/Germ cells): 1 Mark
- 3.Example of acquired trait: 0.5 Mark
- 4.Example of inherited trait: 0.5 Mark
Hint
Think about which traits affect your DNA (germ cells) and which ones are just changes in your body during your lifetime.
Quick oral answer
Acquired traits are developed during an organism's lifetime and do not affect germ cell DNA (e.g., learning a language), so they cannot be inherited. Inherited traits are coded in the DNA of germ cells (e.g., eye colour) and are passed to the next generation.
Common mistakes
- 1.Thinking that acquired traits can be inherited if they are practiced enough.
- 2.Failing to mention the role of 'germ cells' or 'DNA' when explaining why acquired traits are not inherited.
Analysis and explanation
Acquired traits are somatic variations. Since they only affect non-reproductive (somatic) tissues, they do not alter the DNA of the gametes (sperm or egg cells) and therefore cannot be inherited. For example, if a person lifts weights and develops large muscles, their children will not be born with large muscles.
Inherited traits are genetic variations. They are coded in the DNA of germ cells, which are passed on to the offspring during reproduction. Thus, traits like eye colour or blood group are consistently passed down through generations.
Interesting facts
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed that acquired traits could be inherited (Lamarckism), but this theory was later disproved by August Weismann, who cut off the tails of mice for 21 generations and found that the 22nd generation was still born with tails!
Question details
Q12 of 37 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2019
- Section
- Section C
- Marks
- 3
- Type
- Short Answer
- Chapter
- Heredity
- Topic
- Acquired and Inherited Traits
- Bloom's level
- Understanding
- Syllabus topic
- Acquired and Inherited Traits
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Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2019?
This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2019 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Heredity" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Acquired and Inherited Traits" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2019 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section C in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2019 paper.