Inherited Traits and Learned Behaviors — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A plant that gets more sunlight often grows taller than one kept in shade.
Sunlight affects height, showing Grade 3 environment can change a trait.
2. Two bean plants from the same parent can have different heights based on water.
Water changes height, a Grade 3 example of environment shaping traits.
3. Human skin can get darker after many hours in strong summer sun.
Tanning shows Grade 3 students the environment can shift a trait.
4. A chameleon changes its skin color to match leaves, branches, or rocks.
Chameleons react to surroundings, a Grade 3 environment effect.
5. Inherited eye color does not change even if a child moves to a new place.
Eye color is inherited, so Grade 3 shows environment cannot change it.
6. A tomato plant given little water produces smaller fruit than one watered well.
Low water shrinks fruit, a Grade 3 environment-caused variation.
7. A puppy's fur length is inherited, but its weight depends on food and exercise.
Fur length is inherited; Grade 3 shows weight shifts with environment.
8. Scientists call differences within one species variation, like tall and short pea plants.
Variation appears in a species, a key Grade 3 science word.
9. Environment and inherited traits together decide how a living thing finally looks.
Both factors matter, a big Grade 3 idea about traits.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Grade 3 trait: tall sunflower in full sun
→ environment shapes plant height
environment shapes plant height
Grade 3 trait: chameleon turning green
→ environment shifts skin color
environment shifts skin color
Grade 3 trait: child's inherited eye color
→ inherited from parents only
inherited from parents only
Grade 3 trait: tanned skin after summer
→ environment darkens human skin
environment darkens human skin
Matching shows Grade 3 students which traits are inherited or environmental.