Organisms get their traits primarily from their genes, which are segments of DNA inherited from their parents. DNA contains the genetic instructions that specify the structure, function, and characteristics of an organism. Each organism inherits a set of genes from its mother and another set from its father, which together influence traits such as eye color, hair color, and other physical and behavioral characteristics
. Genes are made up of DNA sequences, and variations in these sequences, called alleles, can lead to different forms of a trait. These alleles are passed down through reproduction, ensuring that offspring inherit traits from their parents. The process of DNA replication during cell division allows genetic information to be transmitted from one generation to the next
. While traits are encoded by genes, the environment can also influence how these traits are expressed, but it does not change the underlying genetic code. Some traits acquired during an organism's lifetime due to environmental factors are not genetically inherited
. In summary, traits come from the genetic information encoded in DNA, inherited from parents through genes, which are copied and passed on during reproduction
