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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Heredity and Hereditary?

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The terms "heredity" and "hereditary" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Here is the difference between the two:

  • Heredity: Heredity refers to the study of measurable genetic changes that can be passed on to offspring or progeny. It focuses on the transmission of genetic traits from one generation to another.
  • Hereditary: Hereditary is an adjective that describes a trait, characteristic, or condition that can be inherited or passed down through generations. It is used to describe something that has the potential to be carried from one generation to another.

While both terms involve the transmission of genetic traits, "heredity" is the study of this process, whereas "hereditary" is an attribute of a trait that can be passed on. Not everything that impacts our genes is hereditary; only gene mutations within our germline that we are born with are inherited.

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  • What is the Difference Between Heredity and Hereditary?
  • Comparative Table: Heredity vs Hereditary

    • Comparative Table: Heredity vs Hereditary

    The terms "heredity" and "hereditary" are related but have different meanings. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

    Feature Heredity Hereditary
    Definition Heredity refers to the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next, which results in the inheritance of traits and characteristics. Hereditary refers to a trait or condition that is passed down from one generation to the next through genetic means.
    Examples Eye color, hair color, and height are examples of hereditary traits. Heredity is the process that allows these hereditary traits to be passed down from parents to offspring.
    Inheritance Hereditary traits are inherited through the process of heredity. Heredity is the foundation that enables the inheritance of hereditary traits.

    In summary, heredity is the process through which genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next, while hereditary refers to the traits or conditions that are passed down through this process.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.