Inheritance - Presentation

The concept of inheritance in biology is fascinating and fundamental to understanding how species evolve over time. In a presentation designed to teach the principles of evolution and inheritance, students are prompted with thought-provoking questions. They explore whether offspring are exact replicas of their parents and why there are differences not only between parents and offspring but also among the offspring themselves. The session aims to clarify these biological phenomena by delving into the role of DNA and genes in determining inherited characteristics. Students are encouraged to consider what 'characteristic' means, the percentage of traits inherited from each parent, and the reasons behind the unique variations found in siblings.

To illustrate the point, the presentation includes a relatable anecdote involving 'Aunt Betty' at a family reunion, who comments on a child's resemblance to their father. The child explains to Aunt Betty that this is due to inheriting 50% of their DNA from each parent, resulting in a mix of characteristics that causes variations, known as genetic variation. This practical example sets the stage for understanding dominant and recessive genes, and how certain traits can skip generations. The presentation is interactive, prompting students to answer questions, complete tables comparing their traits to their parents', and even engage in an 'Inheritance Game' to further cement their understanding of how traits are passed down and expressed. By the end, students should be able to articulate why offspring are similar to, yet distinct from, their parents and each other, demonstrating a solid grasp of inheritance.