The passage of physical and psychological traits through genes from parents to offspring at conception is called
options: a) accommodation. b) assimilation. c) maturation. d) heredity.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d) heredity.
Heredity refers to the process by which physical and psychological traits are passed from parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are units of heredity located on chromosomes, and they carry the instructions for the development of traits such as eye color, height, intelligence, and even predispositions to certain diseases. These genes are inherited from both the mother and the father, with each parent contributing half of the genetic material that makes up the offspring’s DNA. This transmission occurs at conception when the sperm and egg combine to form a zygote, which then divides and develops into a new individual.
Heredity is a foundational concept in biology and genetics. The principles of inheritance were first systematically explored by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century through his experiments with pea plants. Mendel’s work led to the formulation of basic laws of inheritance, such as the Law of Segregation, which explains how alleles (different forms of a gene) separate and are passed on to the next generation. These principles apply not only to simple physical traits but also to more complex characteristics, including some aspects of behavior, mental health, and susceptibility to diseases.
Heredity plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s genetic makeup and is one of the key factors in determining how organisms evolve over generations. However, it is important to note that heredity is not the sole determinant of traits. Environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and random genetic mutations also influence an individual’s development. As a result, the interaction between heredity and environment is crucial in understanding the full scope of human and animal development.