What is a genetic trait?

A genetic trait refers to a characteristic that is inherited from parents through genes. These genes are segments of DNA that carry the instructions for building and maintaining the organism's body, influencing various physical and behavioral traits, such as eye color, height, and even certain tendencies toward behavior or health conditions. Since genetic traits are passed down through generations, they remain consistent within a lineage unless altered by a mutation.

In contrast, characteristics acquired through experience do not involve genetic inheritance, and neither do temporary traits influenced by the environment or traits that change with age. These latter types of characteristics are not encoded in an organism's DNA and are instead the results of various external factors or developmental processes, emphasizing the distinction between inherited genetic traits and those that can be altered by life experiences or environmental circumstances.