Offspring Are Similar But Different Practice Test

Read Jamal’s strawberry account. What does the evidence prove about inheritance?

Jamal grows three strawberry plants from runners (offshoots) of one parent plant.

Similarities (evidence):

Evidence 1: Parent has three-part leaves. All three offspring plants have three-part leaves.

Evidence 2: Parent makes red strawberries. All three offspring plants make red strawberries.

Evidence 3: Parent sends out runners. All three offspring plants send out runners.

Evidence 4: Parent has shallow roots that spread wide. All three offspring plants have shallow spreading roots.

Differences (evidence):

Evidence 1: Berry size varies: parent 1.5 in; Plant 1 1.2 in; Plant 2 1.7 in; Plant 3 1.5 in.

Evidence 2: Berry number varies: parent 30; Plant 1 25; Plant 2 35; Plant 3 28.

Evidence 3: Plant spread varies: parent 18 in; Plant 1 15 in; Plant 2 22 in; Plant 3 18 in.

Evidence 4: Sweetness varies: parent very sweet; Plant 1 very sweet; Plant 2 extremely sweet; Plant 3 less sweet.

Combined analysis: Offspring are like the parent in main strawberry traits, but not exactly like it in details.

Conclusion: Inheritance makes offspring similar, and variation makes them different.

Read Chen’s account: He grows four tomato plants from seeds of one parent plant. Similarities—Evidence 1: all are tomato plants. Evidence 2: all have compound leaves. Evidence 3: all grow tomatoes. Evidence 4: all need sun, water, and warmth. Evidence 5: all have vine stems that need support. Differences—Evidence 1: tomato size varies 2.5–3.5 inches (parent 3). Evidence 2: tomato number varies 35–50 (parent 40). Evidence 3: plant height varies 4–6 feet (parent 5). Evidence 4: ripening time varies day 70–80 (parent 75). Are offspring exactly like or only similar to parents?