Like Father Like Daughter
This chapter is about various traits which we get from our parents and forefathers. For example, your face may look like your father’s face. Your nose may appear like your mother’s nose. The height of your father and your grandfather may be almost same.
Inherited Traits
Some traits pass from one generation to next generation. These are called inherited traits. Examples of such traits are – skin colour, hair, eyes, nose, height, etc.
Acquired Traits
Some traits are acquired during one’s lifetime. These traits do not pass from one generation to next generation. These are called acquired traits. Examples of such traits are – languages one knows, drawing skill, music skill, etc.
Mendel
There was a monk in Austria. His name is Mendel. He conducted many experiments on pea plants. After his experiments, he discovered that every trait has a contrasting pair. For example, a pea plant can be tall or short. Seeds can be smooth or rough. All plants of one generation can be tall plants or short plants. In the next generation, some of the plants can be tall and some of them can be short. But there will be no plant of medium height.
After the death of Mendel, many scientists discovered his findings and formulated theories on inheritance of traits. Inheritance means passing of traits from one generation to next generation.
Fill in the table
Ashima sneezed just like her father. Do you have any such habit or trait which is similar to that of someone in your family? What is it? Whom is it similar to?
Answer:
| Your special habit or trait | Whom is it similar to |
|---|---|
| Style of walking | Father |
| Round nose | Mother |
Tell
Question 1: Does your face or anything else look similar to that of someone else in your family? What is it?
Answer: My nose looks similar to my mother’s nose.
Question 2: Did someone tell you this or did you find it our yourself?
Answer: My nani told me about this.
Question 3: How do you feel when people compare you with someone else in your family? Why do you feel so?
Answer: I feel proud because these traits have come from may parents.
Question 4: Who laughs the loudest in your family? Laugh like that person.
Answer: My Dada lughs the loudest.