Question

Why are traits acquired during the lifetime of an individual not inherited ?

Answer 1

Hint: The traits acquired by the individual does not interfere with the genetic makeup of the DNA of the germ cell, they are not inherited. For example, learning to ride a bicycle is what we have learnt to do and not what we were born with. Innate ability does refer to what a person is born with. Adaptive is the one that you learn and adapt with experience.

Complete answer:
Acquired traits are those traits which are acquired by the individual during its lifetime. Acquired traits are due to changes in the lifestyle, injury loss of blood parts consumption habits. On the other hand, inherited traits are one that is genetically determined. These are characteristics that are passed from parents to their offspring e.g. eye color, bone structure etc. But any alteration in the gene sequence , i.e.; mutation is also passed on to the sequence of DNA, which is the cause of the inheritance. But acquired traits are not inherited because these changes in non-reproductive tissues ( Somatic cells ) which cannot be passed on to the next progeny. Thus, traits acquired during the lifetime of an individual are not inherited.

Note:
Any changes which affect the DNA arrangement of the germ cell may lead to transfer or occur in the structure or function of the body parts due to environmental factors. The inherited behaviors are the ones which are passed on genetically. Genes have the power to control factors like height, hair type, color of eyes and many others. Adaptive traits include something that you have learnt on observing others. For example, getting dressed, eating food, writing, learning to drive. There is no role of genes in passing the adaptive traits.