The-definition.com

Definition

Acquired characteristic

Acquired characteristic is the originally used in genetics to describe a change that occurs in the physical structure of an organism as a result of its own activities or its interaction with the environment, i.e. a characteristic (like a bodybuilder's biceps) that is not innate.

There has long been an argument as to whether acquired characteristics can be genetically transferred to offspring. Nowadays this argument is generally considered a loser, though interest in it may still revive.

In psychology, skills acquired by learning (like reading and writing) are sometimes referred to as acquired characteristics.

Share it:  Cite

More from this Section

  • Manifest content of dreams
    The apparent story line of dreams, which Freud called the manifest content of dreams. ...
  • Rooting reflex
    Rooting reflex is the automatic response of an infant to having his cheek stroked; turning ...
  • Basic trust
    Basic trust according to ERIK ERIKSON the acquisition of a sense of basic trust in oneself ...
  • Psychosurgery
    Brain surgery once used to reduce the symptoms of mental disorder but rarely used today, ...
  • Recall
    Memory task in which specific information must be retrieved, is called recall. ...