How are traits passed from parents to offspring?

Traits are passed from parents to offspring primarily through genes located on chromosomes. Each organism has a set of chromosomes that carry the genetic material, which is composed of DNA. Genes are specific segments of this DNA that code for particular traits, such as eye color, height, or susceptibility to certain diseases. During reproduction, each parent contributes half of their genetic material to the offspring, ensuring that traits can be inherited according to the principles of Mendelian genetics.

The mechanism of inheritance is rooted in the structure and function of chromosomes, which contain alleles that may provide variations of a trait. This genetic transmission is a fundamental aspect of biological inheritance, allowing for both the continuity and variation of traits within a species across generations.