Inherited Traits and Learned Behaviors — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A trait passed from parent to offspring is called an inherited trait.
Grade 3 NGSS 3-LS3 uses 'inherited' to label traits that come from parents without any practice needed.
2. A skill gained from practice or teaching is called a learned behavior.
Learned behaviors in Grade 3 science are gained after birth through practice, training, or experience.
3. A bird's song can be partly inherited and partly learned from older birds.
Grade 3 students learn that some bird songs are partly inherited and partly learned by copying adult birds.
4. A plant that gets more sunlight and water may grow taller than a plant that does not.
Environment influences plant size in Grade 3 NGSS 3-LS3, so plants with better resources often grow taller.
5. A person's skin may become darker after spending time in the hot sun.
Grade 3 science shows that environment affects traits, and sunlight can make skin darker over time.
6. Eye color in humans is an example of an inherited trait from both parents.
Eye color is a Grade 3 NGSS 3-LS3 example of an inherited trait given by both parents at birth.
7. Speaking a language well comes from teaching and practice, so it is a learned behavior.
Grade 3 students learn that languages are not inherited; they are learned behaviors built by listening and practice.
8. The environment is the surroundings that can change how a trait shows up in a plant or animal.
Grade 3 NGSS 3-LS3 teaches that the environment is the surroundings that can shape traits like plant height or fur thickness.
9. Different puppies in the same litter can have different colors and patterns.
Variation within a litter is a Grade 3 example showing that siblings can inherit different traits from the same parents.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Eye color from parents
→ Inherited trait
Inherited trait
Riding a bike
→ Learned behavior
Learned behavior
Plant height with more water
→ Environmental influence
Environmental influence
A baby bird learning a song from adults
→ Partly inherited and partly learned
Partly inherited and partly learned
Grade 3 NGSS 3-LS3 asks students to sort real examples into inherited traits, learned behaviors, environmental influences, and mixed cases.