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What are characteristics caused by the environment?

Published in Environmental Biology 2 mins read

Characteristics caused by the environment are traits or features of an organism that develop as a result of external influences rather than solely from its genes. These are also called acquired characteristics.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Definition: Environmental characteristics are variations in phenotype (observable traits) that arise from interactions with the surrounding environment.

  • Contrast with Genetic Characteristics: Genetic characteristics are inherited from parents and determined by DNA. Environmental characteristics, on the other hand, are not encoded in the genes and cannot be passed down to offspring in the same way (although epigenetic changes are an exception).

  • Examples:

    • Language Spoken: The language a person speaks is entirely determined by their environment (where they grow up, who they interact with).
    • Scars: Scars are a direct result of injury or damage from the environment.
    • Weight: While genetics play a role, weight is significantly influenced by diet and exercise (environmental factors).
    • Plant Size: A plant's size can be dramatically affected by sunlight, water availability, and soil nutrients.
    • Hydrangea Flower Color: The color of hydrangea flowers can change based on the soil pH (acidity or alkalinity) where they are planted. Blue flowers grow in acidic soil, while pink flowers grow in alkaline soil.
    • Human Hair Color (modifications): While base hair color is genetic, it can be altered by environmental factors such as sun exposure (lightening) or dyes.
  • Combined Influence: Many characteristics are influenced by both genetics and the environment. For instance, height has a strong genetic component, but it can be affected by nutrition during childhood.

  • Key takeaway from reference: Traits such as scars or the language a person speaks are environmentally caused, whereas traits such as blood group and attached ear lobes are purely genetic.