What is the primary focus of traits studied in genetics?

The primary focus of traits studied in genetics is the inherited characteristics of organisms. Genetics is fundamentally concerned with how traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes. These inherited characteristics include physical traits such as eye color, hair type, and height, as well as biochemical traits that can affect metabolism and disease susceptibility. By studying these inherited traits, scientists can understand how traits are expressed, how they are influenced by genes, and the underlying mechanisms of inheritance.

While health, behavior, and environmental influences play significant roles in the overall biology and ecology of organisms, genetics primarily investigates how traits are transmitted through generations. The study of genes and their variants—known as alleles—provides insight into both the visible characteristics of organisms and those traits that may not be immediately observable, such as predispositions to certain conditions. Thus, the essence of genetics lies in its exploration of heredity and the biological foundations of traits passed down through generations.