What term describes the passing of genetic traits from parent to offspring?

The term that describes the passing of genetic traits from parent to offspring is heredity. Heredity refers to the biological process through which traits, characteristics, and genetic information are transmitted from one generation to the next. This includes traits influenced by genes and can encompass everything from physical characteristics to predispositions for certain diseases.

Heredity is a key concept in genetics and helps explain the similarities and differences in traits among individuals of a species. It encompasses various mechanisms like the transmission of alleles and genetic material during reproduction. The study of heredity is foundational for understanding evolution, variation within populations, and how traits are expressed in descendants.

In contrast, the other terms represent different concepts within genetics. Dominance refers to the relationship between alleles, where one allele masks the expression of another. Inheritance is a broader term that can refer to the process of receiving genetic material but does not specifically define the biological mechanism. Mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence itself, which can lead to new traits but does not describe the process of trait transmission from parents to offspring.