Passing on Traits

Living Things Pass on Information to Future Generations

• Cells have to copy their DNA (replication) before they divide

• Mitosis ensures that the right DNA is in each identical cell

• Meiosis creates gametes that will carry half of an organism's DNA

• Fertilization combines those gametes to create unique offspring

• Parents have structures and strategies for ensuring those gametes create zygotes that develop into healthy babies

• Some organisms pass on behaviors to their offspring