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.

Answer 1

Acquired traits are the characters that are acquired by the individual during its lifetime. These traits cannot be inherited. For example, if a wrestler develops large muscles due to his training program that does not mean it will be passed on to his offspring. 

Inherited traits are the characters which are inherited by the offspring from the parents. These traits are expressed in the offspring and later carried on to the next generation. For example skin colour, eye colour and shape. 

Acquired traits occur due to changes in the lifestyles, injury, loss of body parts, disuse of some body parts. These traits/experiences occur in the somatic cells which do not evolve germ cells and genetic materials. Therefore, these traits are not transferred or inherited in the next generation. Example, low weight of a starving beetle.