Inherited Traits and Learned Behaviors — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
A maple tree passes down it's pointy leaf shape to new maple seedlings.
Corrected: A maple tree passes down its pointy leaf shape to new maple seedlings.
Its shows possession; it's means it is, so Grade 3 writers use its here.
2. Fix the sentence:
Red roses and there parent plants share the same flower color.
Corrected: Red roses and their parent plants share the same flower color.
Their shows ownership, while there names a place, so Grade 3 uses their.
3. Fix the sentence:
Each pine tree grow seeds inside cones like its parent tree.
Corrected: Each pine tree grows seeds inside cones like its parent tree.
Each pine tree is singular, so Grade 3 grammar adds s to grows.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Sunflower seedlings inherit tall stems from their parent plants.
Parent plants pass inherited traits like height to their Grade 3 offspring.
2. Leaf shape is an inherited trait; oaks always grow oak-shaped leaves.
Leaf shape is coded by inherited traits, so Grade 3 oaks make oak leaves.
3. The root structure below a carrot plant is inherited from its parents.
Root structure, like a carrot taproot, is inherited at Grade 3 level.
4. A red tulip grew from a seed that inherited its flower color from the parent.
Flower color passes through seeds, a Grade 3 example of inheritance.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. Grade 3 fact: apple seeds grow into apple trees because of inherited traits.
True False
Apple seeds carry inherited traits, so Grade 3 students see apple trees result.
2. Grade 3 claim: a pine tree can decide to grow oak leaves instead of needles.
True False
Inherited traits are fixed by parents, so Grade 3 pines keep needles.
3. Grade 3 idea: seed type, like acorn or pinecone, is inherited from parent trees.
True False
Seed type comes from the parent species, a Grade 3 inherited trait.