What is the term for traits that are passed down from parents to offspring?

The correct answer is inheritance, which refers to the genetic transmission of traits from parents to their offspring. This process is fundamental to understanding how genetic characteristics, such as physical features or susceptibility to certain diseases, are passed through generations. Inheritance encompasses the mechanisms through which traits are communicated through genes, influencing the biological makeup of offspring.

The study of inheritance is a core concept in genetics, including Mendelian inheritance, where patterns of trait transmission can be predicted based on dominant and recessive alleles. Inheritance lays the groundwork for broader theories like evolution, but it specifically addresses the direct transfer of genetic traits. Understanding inheritance is crucial for exploring how biological characteristics affect behavior and development, forming a central aspect of the biological bases of behavior.