Heredity: The Passing of Traits from Parents to Offspring
Definition of Heredity in Biology
Heredity, also known as inheritance or biological inheritance, refers to the process by which parents pass down their traits to their offspring. This concept plays a crucial role in the study of genetics, which explores the mechanisms underlying the transmission of these traits across generations.
Universality and Variability in Human Genes
Remarkably, approximately 99% of genes are identical in all human beings. This remarkable genetic similarity contributes to our shared characteristics as a species. However, the remaining 1% of genes accounts for the unique differences that make each individual distinct.
Heredity as a Fundamental Property of Life
Heredity is considered a fundamental property of all living organisms because it enables the reproduction and continuation of species. Through the transmission of genetic material, parents ensure the perpetuation of their species' traits over time.
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