Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlocking Evolution The Truth About Heritable Traits

Word Count Emoji
485 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

High Score Buzzwords: Heritable traits, Acquired Traits, Evolutionary Change, Gene Expression, Epigenetic Tags

The Tennis Player Misconception 🎾

A lot of people think if your mom or dad is a pro tennis player, you'll automatically be born with a super-strong arm. Guess what? That's not how evolution works!

  • Why not? Because the muscles and bones they strengthened by playing tennis are acquired traits, not heritable traits.

Real-world Example: Imagine your parent is a great chef 👨‍🍳. Just because they can cook doesn't mean you're born knowing how to make a soufflé!

Living Organisms Develop Traits, But... 🦋

Organisms do develop traits during their lifetime, like losing a leg or getting a suntan. However

  • Random Mutations: If it's a random mutation, it's not adaptive nor heritable.
  • Environment-Induced: Like a spider losing a leg? Not heritable.
  • Gene & Environment Interaction: E.g., a Himalayan rabbit baby gets darker fur in the cold. Still not heritable!

Real-world Example: You dye your hair purple. Your kids won't be born with purple hair, right? 💜

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IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlocking Evolution The Truth About Heritable Traits

Word Count Emoji
485 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

High Score Buzzwords: Heritable traits, Acquired Traits, Evolutionary Change, Gene Expression, Epigenetic Tags

The Tennis Player Misconception 🎾

A lot of people think if your mom or dad is a pro tennis player, you'll automatically be born with a super-strong arm. Guess what? That's not how evolution works!

  • Why not? Because the muscles and bones they strengthened by playing tennis are acquired traits, not heritable traits.

Real-world Example: Imagine your parent is a great chef 👨‍🍳. Just because they can cook doesn't mean you're born knowing how to make a soufflé!

Living Organisms Develop Traits, But... 🦋

Organisms do develop traits during their lifetime, like losing a leg or getting a suntan. However

  • Random Mutations: If it's a random mutation, it's not adaptive nor heritable.
  • Environment-Induced: Like a spider losing a leg? Not heritable.
  • Gene & Environment Interaction: E.g., a Himalayan rabbit baby gets darker fur in the cold. Still not heritable!

Real-world Example: You dye your hair purple. Your kids won't be born with purple hair, right? 💜

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟