Difference Between Genetics And Heredity Quiz

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Difference Between Genetics And Heredity Quiz - Quiz

You may have heard a medical professional describe the illness as “genetic” or “hereditary” at some point in your life, but do you know what the distinction is there? Don’t they mean the same thing? The answer is no! Hereditary means the disease can be passed on from one generation to the next, but genetic diseases need not be hereditary, they originate from a change in an organism’s genome. See if you can learn more about the difference in this quiz!


Difference Between Genetics and Heredity Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    Which of these is an inherited trait?

    • A.

      Liking the color red

    • B.

      Having long fingers

    • C.

      Wearing your hair in a ponytail

    • D.

      Liking chocolate ice cream

    Correct Answer
    B. Having long fingers
    Explanation
    Having long fingers is an inherited trait because traits that are inherited are passed down from parents to offspring through genes. The length of fingers is determined by genetic factors and can be influenced by the genes inherited from parents. Therefore, if someone has long fingers, it is likely that they have inherited this trait from their parents.

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  • 2. 

    Which of these can you change?

    • A.

      Your instincts

    • B.

      Your inherited traits

    • C.

      Your learned behaviors

    • D.

      Your inherited behaviors

    Correct Answer
    C. Your learned behaviors
    Explanation
    Learned behaviors are actions or responses that an individual acquires through experience or education. Unlike instincts or inherited traits, learned behaviors are not predetermined and can be modified or changed over time. This means that individuals have the ability to consciously alter their learned behaviors through practice, training, or exposure to new information.

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  • 3. 

    Traits are passed from parent to ____________________.

    Correct Answer
    offspring, ofspring, child, children, kids
    Explanation
    Traits, such as physical characteristics and genetic predispositions, are inherited and passed down from one generation to the next. This process occurs through the transmission of genetic material from parents to their offspring. Offspring, whether referred to as offspring, ofspring, child, children, or kids, inherit a combination of traits from both their mother and father. This inheritance allows for the continuation of certain traits within a species and contributes to the diversity and variation observed in populations.

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  • 4. 

    A woman is an excellent cook. Why are her children likely to become good cooks?

    • A.

      They will learn to cook by instinct.

    • B.

      They will learn to cook by watching her.

    • C.

      They will inherit her cooking skills.

    • D.

      Cooking is an inherited trait.

    Correct Answer
    B. They will learn to cook by watching her.
    Explanation
    The likely reason why the woman's children are likely to become good cooks is that they will learn by watching her. Children often learn by observing and imitating their parents or caregivers, especially in activities that are done regularly, like cooking. By observing their mother's cooking techniques, recipes, and practices, the children are likely to pick up on these skills and develop their own cooking abilities over time. This explanation aligns with the common understanding of how learning and skill acquisition occur through observation and imitation.

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  • 5. 

    Where does an animal get its genes?

    • A.

      All from its mother

    • B.

      All from its father

    • C.

      Half of its genes come from its mother and half from its father

    • D.

      Most of its genes from its mother and some of its genes come from its father

    Correct Answer
    C. Half of its genes come from its mother and half from its father
    Explanation
    Animals inherit their genes from both their mother and their father. This is because animals reproduce sexually, meaning they receive genetic material from both parents. The process of sexual reproduction involves the fusion of sperm and egg, which each contribute half of the genetic material to form a new individual. Therefore, half of an animal's genes come from its mother and half from its father.

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  • 6. 

    Why do scientists change the genes in plants so that plants need less water?

    • A.

      So there's more water to fill swimming pools

    • B.

      So the plants can grow well during a drought (decreased water)

    • C.

      So plants can grow in heavy rains

    • D.

      So farmers will not die from chemical poisoning

    Correct Answer
    B. So the plants can grow well during a drought (decreased water)
    Explanation
    Scientists change the genes in plants so that they need less water in order to enable the plants to grow well during a drought. By reducing the water requirements of the plants, they can survive and thrive even in conditions of limited water availability. This is important for areas that experience frequent droughts or have limited access to water resources. By genetically modifying the plants to be more drought-tolerant, scientists are helping to ensure food security and agricultural productivity in regions with water scarcity.

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  • 7. 

    Which characteristic would NOT be passed on by a gene?

    • A.

      Pink fur

    • B.

      Webbed feet

    • C.

      Brown scales

    • D.

      Broken wing

    Correct Answer
    D. Broken wing
    Explanation
    Genes are responsible for passing on traits from one generation to another. Pink fur, webbed feet, and brown scales are all physical characteristics that can be influenced by genes. However, a broken wing is not a heritable trait that can be passed on genetically. It is more likely to be a result of an injury or accident rather than a genetic inheritance.

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  • 8. 

    Which statement is true?

    • A.

      A gene causes a trait.

    • B.

      A trait is learned.

    Correct Answer
    A. A gene causes a trait.
    Explanation
    A gene causes a trait because genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for the development and functioning of an organism. Traits are physical or behavioral characteristics that are determined by the expression of specific genes. These genes can be inherited from parents and passed down through generations, influencing the traits that an individual possesses. Therefore, the statement "A gene causes a trait" is true as genes play a crucial role in determining the characteristics and traits of an organism.

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  • 9. 

    Which of these is an inherited trait?

    • A.

      Having freckles

    • B.

      Being a good reader

    • C.

      Having a scar on your arm

    Correct Answer
    A. Having freckles
    Explanation
    Having freckles is an inherited trait because freckles are caused by a gene mutation that increases the production of melanin in certain areas of the skin. This gene mutation is passed down from parents to their offspring through their genetic material, making it an inherited characteristic. Freckles are more commonly found in individuals with fair skin and red or light-colored hair, indicating a genetic predisposition. Therefore, having freckles is a trait that is determined by one's genetic makeup and is inherited from their parents.

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  • 10. 

    This picture shows the shape of ____________

    • A.

      A virus

    • B.

      Bacteria

    • C.

      DNA

    Correct Answer
    C. DNA
    Explanation
    The picture shows the shape of DNA. DNA is a double helix structure, as depicted in the picture. It is the genetic material found in all living organisms and carries the instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of organisms. The shape of DNA is crucial for its function as it allows for the storage and transmission of genetic information.

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  • 11. 

    How many chromosomes do you inherit from your mom?

    • A.

      34

    • B.

      46

    • C.

      23

    Correct Answer
    C. 23
    Explanation
    Each person inherits 23 chromosomes from their mother. This is because humans have a total of 46 chromosomes, with half coming from each parent. The mother contributes one set of 23 chromosomes, while the father also contributes one set of 23 chromosomes, resulting in a total of 46 chromosomes.

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  • 12. 

    Gregor Mendel is credited as being the ____________________.

    • A.

      "Father of Peas"

    • B.

      Father of Genetics"

    • C.

      "Father of Jeans"

    Correct Answer
    B. Father of Genetics"
    Explanation
    Gregor Mendel is credited as being the "Father of Genetics" because he conducted groundbreaking experiments on pea plants in the mid-19th century. Through his meticulous observations and analysis, Mendel discovered the basic principles of inheritance, including the concept of dominant and recessive traits. His work laid the foundation for the field of genetics, revolutionizing our understanding of how traits are passed down from one generation to the next. Mendel's discoveries continue to be the basis of modern genetics and have had a profound impact on the field of biology.

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  • 13. 

    Choose the set of traits that would complete this Punnett square.

    • A.

      RR, RR, Rr, Rr

    • B.

      RR, Rr, Rr, rr

    • C.

      Rr, rr, RR, Rr

    Correct Answer
    B. RR, Rr, Rr, rr
    Explanation
    The punnett square shows the possible combinations of alleles that can be inherited from two parents. In this case, the given punnett square is incomplete and requires two more traits to complete it. The answer RR, Rr, Rr, rr completes the punnett square by providing the missing alleles.

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  • 14. 

    The passing down of traits from one generation to the next is called ______.

    Correct Answer
    heredity
    Explanation
    Heredity refers to the process of traits being passed down from one generation to the next. It involves the transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring through the inheritance of genes. This process is responsible for the similarities and differences observed among individuals within a species. Through heredity, genetic variations can accumulate and lead to the evolution of populations over time.

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  • 15. 

    Another word for characteristics of living things is

    Correct Answer
    trait, traits
    Explanation
    The given answer is correct because "trait" and "traits" are synonymous with "characteristics" when referring to living things. Traits are specific qualities or attributes that define and distinguish living organisms. These traits can include physical features, behaviors, or genetic characteristics that are unique to each individual or species. Therefore, "trait" and "traits" are alternative words that can be used to describe the characteristics of living things.

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  • 16. 

    What is the science of heredity called?

    • A.

      Skills

    • B.

      Genetics

    • C.

      Reproduction

    • D.

      Heredity

    Correct Answer
    B. Genetics
    Explanation
    Genetics is the science of heredity, which involves the study of genes and how traits are passed down from parents to offspring. It explores the principles of inheritance and the variation of traits in populations. This field of study helps us understand the mechanisms behind genetic diseases, genetic disorders, and the genetic basis of various traits and characteristics in living organisms.

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  • 17. 

    If an offspring receives two genes, one from each parent, for a particular recessive trait, that trait will

    • A.

      Not be seen

    • B.

      Be seen halfway

    • C.

      Be seen

    • D.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    C. Be seen
    Explanation
    If an offspring receives two genes, one from each parent, for a particular recessive trait, that trait will be seen. This is because recessive traits require both copies of the gene to be present in order to be expressed. If only one copy of the gene is present, the dominant trait will be expressed instead. However, if both copies of the gene are recessive, the recessive trait will be seen in the offspring.

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  • 18. 

    Tina speaks both English and Spanish. This is caused by

    • A.

      Heredity

    • B.

      Environment

    Correct Answer
    B. Environment
    Explanation
    Tina's ability to speak both English and Spanish is most likely caused by her environment. This suggests that she was exposed to both languages and had the opportunity to learn and practice them. Heredity, on the other hand, refers to the genetic factors that may influence certain traits or abilities, but language proficiency is primarily acquired through exposure and learning in the environment.

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  • 19. 

    This puppy has brown and white spots. This is caused by

    • A.

      Heredity

    • B.

      Environment

    Correct Answer
    A. Heredity
    Explanation
    The puppy's brown and white spots are caused by heredity. This means that the puppy's parents or ancestors likely had similar coloring, and these traits were passed down through their genes. Environmental factors, such as sunlight or diet, typically do not directly affect the coloration of a puppy's fur.

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  • 20. 

    Gloria has blonde hair. Her mom also has blonde hair. What explains Gloria's blonde hair?

    • A.

      Environment

    • B.

      Heredity

    Correct Answer
    B. Heredity
    Explanation
    Heredity explains Gloria's blonde hair because it is passed down from her mother, who also has blonde hair. Heredity refers to the genetic information that is inherited from parents and determines various traits, including hair color. In this case, the presence of the blonde hair gene in both Gloria and her mother is the reason for Gloria's blonde hair.

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  • 21. 

    How many total chromosome do you inherit from your parents?

    • A.

      23

    • B.

      46

    • C.

      89

    Correct Answer
    B. 46
    Explanation
    When a person is conceived, they inherit 23 chromosomes from each parent, resulting in a total of 46 chromosomes. These chromosomes contain the genetic information that determines various traits and characteristics of an individual. Therefore, the correct answer is 46.

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  • 22. 

    A __________________ gene hides or masks a recessive gene.

    Correct Answer
    dominant, domnant
    Explanation
    A dominant gene is responsible for the expression of a specific trait, while a recessive gene remains hidden or masked in the presence of a dominant gene. In this case, the misspelled word "domnant" is likely a typo for "dominant," which accurately describes the gene that hides or masks the recessive gene.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the following is NOT a component of a DNA nucleotide?

    • A.

      Deoxyribose sugar 

    • B.

      Phosphate group 

    • C.

      Nitrogenous base 

    • D.

      Ribose sugar

    Correct Answer
    B. pHospHate group 
    Explanation
    DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is composed of nucleotides, each containing a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Ribose sugar is found in RNA (ribonucleic acid), not DNA.

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  • 24. 

    A change in a gene is known as a

    • A.

      Genetic

    • B.

      Genetic mutation

    • C.

      Probability

    Correct Answer
    B. Genetic mutation
    Explanation
    A change in a gene is known as a genetic mutation. This term refers to any alteration or modification in the DNA sequence of a gene, which can result in a change in the structure or function of the protein that the gene codes for. Genetic mutations can occur spontaneously or be caused by various factors such as exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. These mutations can have different effects, ranging from no noticeable impact to causing genetic disorders or diseases. Therefore, the correct answer is genetic mutation.

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  • 25. 

    Scientist altering the genetic make-up is called

    • A.

      Genetic engineering

    • B.

      Copying

    • C.

      DNA-ing

    Correct Answer
    A. Genetic engineering
    Explanation
    Genetic engineering refers to the process of altering the genetic makeup of an organism by manipulating its DNA. This can involve adding, removing, or modifying specific genes to achieve desired traits or outcomes. It is a complex and precise technique that has various applications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. The term "genetic engineering" accurately describes the scientific practice of modifying an organism's genetic material.

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Stephen Reinbold |PhD (Biological Sciences) |
Biology Instructor
Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong passion for teaching. He taught various subjects including General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, for nearly thirty years. He focused on scientific methodology and student research projects. Now retired, he works part-time as an editor and engages in online activities.

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  • Oct 05, 2008
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