Traits are the special features or characteristics that a person has. These traits can be physical traits or behavioural traits. They are passed from parents to their children through the genes.
Family traits are the features or characteristics that people inherit from other members of their family. These traits usually run through many generations. They can include body features, behaviour, talents, and abilities.
Family traits help us to identify members of the same family because they often share similar looks or behaviour.
These are body features that can be seen. Examples include:
These are habits, actions, and patterns of behaviour that can be passed down. Examples include:
Dominant traits are strong traits. They appear more frequently in children. A dominant trait will show even if the child received the gene from only one parent. Examples include:
Recessive traits are weaker traits. They will only show when the child receives the same gene from both parents. Examples include:
Dominant traits help us to recognise the features that appear commonly in a family, while recessive traits help us to explain the features that appear less frequently.
Family traits are important in the following ways:
Family traits help us to identify members of the same family because they look alike or behave similarly.
Family traits help us to trace family lineage and understand how characteristics have been transferred over many generations.
Family traits help us to explain the physical resemblance that exists between parents and their children.
Family traits help us to understand diseases that may run in the family. Examples include diabetes, sickle cell disease, and hypertension.
Family traits help us to understand why some talents or abilities appear repeatedly in certain families, such as music talent, sports ability, or academic strength.
Family traits help us to build stronger family identity and unity, because members feel connected through their shared characteristics.
| Family Traits | Environmental Traits |
|---|---|
| They are inherited from parents. | They are learned or acquired from the environment. |
| They do not change easily. | They can change with time and experience. |
| They are controlled by genes. | They are influenced by surroundings, culture, and lifestyle. |
Even though traits are inherited, the environment can affect how they appear.
Good food and good health can affect traits like height and body size.
Habits and personal choices can influence behavioural traits.
Family traits are the features and characteristics that are passed from parents to children. They can be physical or behavioural. Some traits are dominant, while others are recessive. Family traits help us to understand identity, health patterns, resemblance, genealogy, and talents.
