Assignment: Genes or Jeans? Exploration Procedure: Read the description of each trait in the left column of the chart. If the trait is determined by heredity, or genes, put a check in the Genes column. If the trait is determined by the environment (for example, a choice you have made or an experience you have had), put a check in the Jeans column.

Trait Genes Jeans
You have red hair.
Soccer is your favorite sport.
You have dark skin and can tan easily.
You can roll your tongue.
You are a picky eater.
You speak Spanish fluently.
You are color-blind.
You always complete your schoolwork on time.
Your hair is dyed brown.
You have pierced ears.
You have freckles.
You can play the saxophone.
You prefer sweet food over sour food.
You have blue eyes.
Your blood type is O.
When you smile, you have dimples.
You enjoy writing poetry.
You are tall for your age.
Your nails are painted red.

Questions
1. What is the difference between traits and characteristics?

2. Can people with different parents still have traits in common?

3. You have a plant with yellow flowers and a tall stem. However, it is wilted because you forgot to water it. Identify which of the described traits of the plant is/are example(s) of those determined by heredity and those determined by the env