What is the term used for conditions or traits that are passed down through generations?

The term used for conditions or traits that are passed down through generations is "hereditary." This concept refers to the transmission of genetic characteristics from parents to their offspring. Traits that are inherited can include physical characteristics such as eye color, as well as predispositions to certain health conditions. Inherited traits are a fundamental aspect of genetics and evolutionary biology, as they are key to understanding how species adapt and evolve over time.

Acquired traits refer to characteristics that an individual develops during their life, often as a result of environmental factors, rather than being passed down genetically. Environmental conditions pertain to the surroundings and factors that can influence an organism but do not inherently involve genetic transmission. Physical attributes could describe the inherited traits themselves, but the best term that encompasses the concept of trait transmission is "hereditary."