Summary
The passing of traits from parents to offspring through genetic material.
In depth
Offspring resemble parents because genetic information in DNA is copied and passed on in gametes. Resemblance is not perfect: recombination, mutation and the environment create differences. Before DNA was understood, people believed in blending inheritance, which Mendel's work showed to be wrong, because traits stay distinct and reappear in later generations.
Genetics today covers classical transmission patterns, the molecular nature of genes and the behaviour of genes in populations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Heredity?
The passing of traits from parents to offspring through genetic material.
Which area of biology covers Heredity, and how advanced is it?
Heredity is one of the 54 topics in Genetics. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Sex-Linked Inheritance, Pedigree Analysis, Allele.
Can you give an example of Heredity?
A child may have blue eyes though both parents have brown, because a recessive allele was hidden in each parent.
What should I learn before Heredity?
Heredity is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Genetics that pair well with it include Gene, Allele, Genotype and Phenotype.
What topics are related to Heredity?
The closest topics to Heredity are Sex-Linked Inheritance, Pedigree Analysis, Allele, Genotype and Phenotype. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Heredity?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Heredity. To practise the whole of Genetics, use the Genetics quiz.
How is Heredity different from Sex-Linked Inheritance?
Heredity: The passing of traits from parents to offspring through genetic material. Sex-Linked Inheritance: Genes on the X chromosome show different patterns in males and females, as with red-green colour blindness. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Heredity step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Sex-Linked Inheritance and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Genetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.