How are traits inherited in organisms?

Traits in organisms are inherited through genes passed down from parents to offspring. Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building and maintaining an organism's body, influencing everything from physical characteristics like eye color and height to various biochemical processes. During reproduction, offspring receive a combination of genes from both parents, resulting in inherited traits that can be observed in the next generation.

The correct understanding of inheritance focuses on the biological transmission of genetic information, which is fundamental to the study of genetics and evolutionary biology. This process involves mechanisms such as segregation and independent assortment during the formation of gametes, which ensure a diverse mix of traits in the offspring derived from their genetic parents.