Differentiate inherited and acquired traits with examples.
Answer framework: Define each, connect inheritance to germ-cell DNA, and give one correct example.
All Class 10 Science notes
Chapter 8 • Biology
Heredity
Use Mendel's experiments to understand traits, genes, dominance, segregation, sex determination and inherited versus acquired characters.
Core concepts checklist
Variation and inheritance
Mendel's monohybrid cross
Dominant and recessive traits
Genotype, phenotype and segregation
Sex determination in humans
Formula & fact bank
TT × tt → all Tt in F₁
Tt × Tt → 1 TT : 2 Tt : 1 tt
Phenotypic ratio = 3 tall : 1 dwarf
XX = female; XY = male
Diagrams to practise
Draw with pencil, use straight label lines, add arrows and write a precise caption.
- 1Monohybrid Punnett square
- 2Sex-determination cross
- 3Inherited vs acquired trait map
CBSE examiner focus
- Use genotype letters consistently
- State both genotypic and phenotypic ratios
- Explain that the father's sperm determines the child's sex—never assign blame
Board-style practice
Explain Mendel's monohybrid cross.
Answer framework: Show P, gametes, F₁, self-cross, Punnett square and 3:1 phenotype with 1:2:1 genotype.
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