Differentiate between inherited and acquired characters. Give one example for each type.

Inherited Characters

Acquired Characters

Characters that are passed on from parents to offspring

Alters genotype and phenotype Transmitted to future generation

Characters appear in an individual’s lifetime but cannot be transmitted to the next generation

Alters phenotype only

Cannot be transmitted to future generation

Results due to genetic recombination

Results due to response to environmental changes

Example: the colour of seeds, the colour of eyes.

Example: obese body, loss of a finger in an accident.