Friday, May 30, 2008

Heredity for Growth and Development

Most of the characteristics or traits that parents pass on to their children are physical in nature. Examples of these are body build, color of the eyes and texture of the skin. A child who inherited shortness cannot grow as tall as other children even if he or she eats the right kinds of foods, or has enough exercise and rest. A child who inherited a tendency to be sick is likely to be sickly, too.

Other characteristics that children get from their parents are mental in nature like the ability to solve math problems or creative talents such as drawing, painting and singing. However, if children are not given the proper training, these abilities and talents would not be developed fully.

The characteristics that children inherit can affect their growth and development. Physical growth can be slowed down if a child is sickly. Children who are lacking in height or who may be thin or stout are often teased by other children. As a result, they may become shy and avoid people. This will affect their social development.

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