Some traits are inherited and some
traits are learned. Inherited
traits are passed to off spring through genes. All living things
have genes. Genes are located on
chromosomes. Chromosomes are located inside the nucleus of the cell.
So, the
nucleus of the cell contains the genetic material or DNA. Humans have
23 pair
of chromosomes in each cell for a total of 46. Again, the 1,000’s of
genes are
located on the chromosomes. On half of the genes come form each parent.
A gene
may be dominant(strong and shows up more often or recessive(weak) shows
up less
often. Some dominant traits in humans are brown eyes, the
ability to roll your tongue, dimples when you smile, widow's peak at
hair line, hitchhiker's thumb (bend your thumb backwards 50% or more),
and detached earlobes.
Now it is your turn to look for
these dominant traits in your family. Write down each person and the
trait or traits they carry!
