Inherited Traits and How They Are Passed On — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

MS-LS3-1
MS-LS3-2

About This Reader

This NGSS-aligned informational passage for middle school explores the concept of inherited traits. It explains how physical and behavioral traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes on chromosomes made of DNA. Students learn about dominant and recessive traits, the role of Punnett squares, and the difference between inherited, learned, and multifactorial traits. The passage helps readers connect genetics to real life, such as family similarities and genetic conditions. Designed to support reading comprehension and scientific literacy, it aligns with NGSS standard MS-LS3-1 (Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits), making it an ideal resource for integrating science and literacy.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Inherited traits are physical or behavioral characteristics passed from parents to offspring through genes. Every living organism inherits traits from its biological parents, whether it’s the color of a cat’s fur, the shape of a plant’s leaves, or a person’s blood type. These traits are carried on structures called chromosomes, which are made of DNA. Each gene on a chromosome contains instructions for a specific trait.

Traits come in two main forms: dominant and recessive. A dominant trait is one that will appear in the offspring even if only one parent passes it on. A recessive trait, on the other hand, only shows up if both parents pass on the same recessive gene. For example, having dimples is a dominant trait, while having no dimples is recessive. If a child gets a dominant gene from one parent and a recessive gene from the other, the dominant trait will be seen.

To predict how traits may appear in the next generation, scientists use tools like Punnett squares. These show the possible gene combinations from the parents. For instance, if both parents carry a recessive gene for blue eyes, there is a chance their child will inherit blue eyes—even if the parents have brown eyes.

Inherited traits also explain why family members sometimes look alike or share similar abilities. However, not all traits are inherited. Some traits, like language or table manners, are learned through experience, not passed down in DNA. Traits affected by both genes and the environment are called multifactorial traits. Height, for example, is influenced by both genetics and nutrition.

Studying inherited traits helps scientists understand heredity, predict genetic conditions, and even improve crops and livestock. It also helps us understand ourselves and how we are connected to our families.

Fun Fact: Humans have about 20,000 genes, and many of them influence multiple traits at once!

What are inherited traits?

Traits learned from schoolTraits shared by all animalsTraits passed from parentsTraits chosen by environment

What are chromosomes made of?

BloodSugarDNAProtein

What type of trait appears if only one parent passes it on?

MixedRecessiveDominantNeutral

Which tool helps predict trait inheritance?

Data chartCell modelPunnett squareMicroscope

Why can a child have blue eyes if both parents have brown eyes?

Blue is dominantBrown is rareBoth parents carry recessive blue genesEye color changes

What is a multifactorial trait?