Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Heredity refers to the genetic factors that are passed down from biological parents to their offspring. These genetic factors can influence an individual's physical characteristics, traits, and predispositions.
The specific genetic makeup of an individual, consisting of all the genes they have inherited.
Inheritance: The process by which traits or characteristics are transmitted from one generation to the next through genetic material.
Nature vs. Nurture: The ongoing debate about whether genetics (nature) or environmental factors (nurture) have a greater influence on human behavior and development.