• Skip to Page Content
  • Skip to Site Navigation
  • Skip to Search
  • Skip to Footer
American Museum of Natural History
Share
OLogy Home
Games
Reading
Hands-on
Videos
Biology
Biodiversity
Brain
Genetics
Marine BiOLogy
MicrobiOLogy
PaleontOLogy
ZoOLogy
Human Cultures
AnthropOLogy
ArchaeOLogy
Earth & Space
Astronomy
Climate Change
Earth
Physics
Water
Type keyword(s) to search OLogy

OLogy Cards > genetics

OLOGY CARD 086
Series: Biology

genetics

Genetics is the study of how traits are passed from one generation to another. Traits such as eye color and nose shape are transferred from parents to their kids through genes. Our genes carry information that affects our health, our appearance, and even our personality.

It means: the science of how genes are passed from generation to generation
Discovered: started in the mid-1800s with Gregor Mendel's discoveries, but long ago people knew that our traits come from our parents
Significance: The modern study of genetics has helped us understand how we're related to other animals and how we fit into the evolution of life on Earth.

In the Days Before Genetics
Long ago, before people understood genetics, mothers-to-be were given odd advice. In ancient Greece, women were told that if they wanted attractive children, they should stare at beautiful objects while they were pregnant. In France during the 1800s, expectant mothers were told they could improve their children's looks by gazing at gorgeous paintings and thinking beautiful thoughts. Based on scientific evidence, we know that these ideas are just myths. We also now know that mothers-to-be can improve the health of their babies by eating well and getting exercise during pregnancy. Thinking healthy thoughts is not enough.

illustrated wiggle lines near a human ear

Which of the following is controlled entirely by genes?

how well you play basketball

what kind of music you like

whether or not your earlobes are attached to your face

Correct!

The shape of your earlobes is determined by your genes. If you have genes that make you tall, they might give you an advantage on the court, but there's no gene for being good at shootin' hoops.

Thousands of years ago, farmers used genetics to improve their crops and animals.

Fact
OR
Fiction
?

Fact

Even though the science of genetics wasn't fully understood in prehistoric times, farmers knew how to use breeding to make heartier crops and stronger animals.

How tall you are depends entirely on your parents' genes.

Fact
OR
Fiction
?

Fiction

Genes affect your height, but they aren't the whole story. Your diet also plays an important role.

Image credits: main image, Kelvin Chan.

You might also like...

What Do You Know About Genetics?

How much do you know about what makes you you? 

What is Genetics?

Take a look at the science of where it ALL begins.

gene

Have you ever wondered why you look like your parents, grandparents, or siblings? It's because of your genes -- the inst...
Page footer
  • Contact Us
  • OLogy Cards
  • For Educators
  • Credits
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright
  • OLogy Sitemap