1

This image shows a mother guinea pig and two of her offspring, called pups. Identify three traits, shared by all three guinea pigs.

Shiny black eyes

Large, thin ears

Light pink nose

Smooth, straight fur

Patches of white fur

2

These two pups are part of a group of biological siblings of different ages. What must be true of all members of the sibling group?

A

They were born at the same time

B

They look very similar to each other

C

They have the same mother and father

D

They are similar in size and weight

3

Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences.

Even though the two pups are biological siblings, variations (differences) are visible in some traits, like 

 and patterns in the fur. There is much less variation in 

 and ear size.

nose color

eye shape

4

DefinitionExamplesInherited traits are passed from parent to offspring through genetic material like DNA.

Eye Color
Blood Type
Height

Acquired traits are developed or learned during an organism's life. They are not inherited.

Scars
Weight
Friendliness

As shown in the table, traits are classified as either inherited or acquired. Given this information, which guinea pig trait is most likely to be inherited?

A

Nail length

B

Ear shape

C

Dental health

D

Food preferences



Credit: Naomi Marcin/Shutterstock

1 answer

  1. Three traits shared by all three guinea pigs:

    • Shiny black eyes
    • Smooth, straight fur
    • Light pink nose
  2. What must be true of all members of the sibling group?

    • C: They have the same mother and father.
  3. Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences: Even though the two pups are biological siblings, variations (differences) are visible in some traits, like nose color and patterns in the fur. There is much less variation in eye shape and ear size.

  4. Given the information, which guinea pig trait is most likely to be inherited?

    • B: Ear shape