Traits can be passed from parents to offspring through genes, which are pieces of DNA on chromosomes. At birth, the offspring inherit half of the chromosomes from the father and the other half from the mother. So the offspring has a combination of genes previously present in the parents. These genes are sexually introduced into the zygote at birth.

Each gene is associated with some other set of genes, that is, alleles that can be dominant or recessive. The combination of alleles inherited from both parents determines the physical and functional characteristics of the offspring. Genetic variations are caused by point mutations or genes exchanged during meiosis.

Examples of traits that are inherited from parents:

• Hair
• Skin
• Dimples
• Eye colour
• Body type
• Height
• Metabolism

Relevant Links:

• Inherited Traits
• Heredity
• Genetics
• Law of Independent Assortment
• Applications of Mendelian Genetics
• How do the Traits and Characters get expressed?
• Acquired and Inherited Traits – Definition, Differences, Examples