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What does it mean when a trait is inherited?

  1. It is acquired through learning

  2. It is passed on from parents or grandparents

  3. It changes with lifestyle choices

  4. It is a result of environmental factors

The correct answer is: It is passed on from parents or grandparents

When a trait is inherited, it refers to the genetic transmission of characteristics from one generation to the next. This means that traits are passed down from parents to their offspring. The genes responsible for these traits are contained in the DNA, which is inherited from both the mother and the father. This genetic inheritance can include physical characteristics, such as eye color or hair type, as well as predispositions to certain health conditions. The process of inheritance is a fundamental concept in genetics and explains why offspring may resemble their parents or carry traits that are similar to their ancestors. Other options relate to acquired characteristics or influences that are not genetic. Traits acquired through learning, changes due to lifestyle choices, or environmental factors do not encompass the concept of inheritance, which is strictly linked to genetic transmission.