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.

Question

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.

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Colour of hair, eye colour are inherited characters but the weight of the body is an acquired character.

The absence of tail in the mouse after surgical removal and low weight of a starving beetle cannot be passed on to the progeny as they are acquired traits and they do not cause any change in the DNA of germ cells. These changes occur in somatic tissues hence are not transmitted to their progeny. Whereas a rudimentary eye of Planaria is controlled by specific genes present in germ cells which can be transmitted from generation to generation.