The NGSS high school standards for Inheritance and Variation of Traits focus on understanding the principles of genetics and how traits are passed from one generation to the next. This area of study delves into the molecular basis of inheritance, including the roles of DNA, genes, and chromosomes in determining an organism's traits. Students explore how genetic information is transmitted during reproduction and how variations arise through processes like mutation, recombination, and sexual reproduction.
The standards also emphasize the importance of genetic variation in populations, which can influence an organism's survival and reproduction. By studying inheritance patterns, students learn how traits can be predicted and analyzed, as well as how genetic technologies are used in fields such as medicine and agriculture. Overall, this area of the NGSS helps students understand the genetic foundations of life and the factors that contribute to the diversity of traits within and across species.
HS. Inheritance and Variation of Traits Review Sheets: HS-LS1-4: Cellular Division and Differentiation : HS-LS3-1: Chromosomal Inheritance : HS-LS3-2: Inheritable Genetic Variation : HS-LS3-3: Variation and Distribution of Traits : HS-LS1-8: Human Reproduction