Question

During a study session about evolution, one of your fellow students remarks, "The giraffe stretched its neck while reaching for higher leaves; its offspring inherited longer necks as a result." Which statement is most likely to be helpful in correcting this student's misconception?
Characteristics acquired during an organism's life are generally not passed on through genes. (T/F)

Answer 1

Answer:

For part 1

The statement to correcting the student's misconception is that 'ACQUIRED TRAITS CANNOT BE INHERITED'

For part 2

The statement is True - Traits acquired during lifetime ARE NOT passed on through genes.

Explanation:

For part 1 and 2

The appearance of an organism depends on TWO FACTORS:

- inherited traits contained in genes, and

- environment

Therefore, the stretched neck on the giraffe is due to its adapting to the environment so is an ACQUIRED TRAIT, and would NOT alter the gene for "normal neck" present in its chromosome.

So, no matter what evolution recognizes that, 'ACQUIRED TRAITS CANNOT BE INHERITED' in the giraffe offsprings but traits contained only in the genes.