What information supports the conclusion that Scarlett acquired this trait?
Scarlett's scar was caused by an accident. She cut her arm when she fell off her bicycle. Scarlett's sister has a bruise from falling on her elbow. Scarlett's scar is on her right elbow. Her father also has a scar on his right elbow.
Read the description of a trait.
Scarlett has a scar on her right elbow.
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.