Which term describes the passing of traits from parent to offspring?

• A. Gene
• B. Genome
• C. Heredity (genetic inheritance)
• D. Genotype

Answer: (C)

Heredity (genetic inheritance) describes the passing of traits from parent to offspring. It’s the process by which genes, the units of heredity, are transmitted from one generation to the next, influencing how offspring resemble their parents. A gene is a single unit of heredity, a genome is the entire set of genetic material, and a genotype is the specific genetic makeup of an individual. So the term that best captures this passing of traits is heredity.