Final answer:
Inheritance in biology is the process by which traits are passed from parents to offspring, and studies of genetics explain these patterns..
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of inheritance in biology refers to the way in which traits and characteristics are passed down from one generation to the next. Genetics is the study of how these traits are transmitted through genes. Each parent contributes genetic material to their offspring, resulting in shared, as well as unique, characteristics among siblings. For instance, key genetic traits, like eye color or hair color, are inherited from our parents. These traits are determined by alleles, which are different versions of a gene located at the same gene locus on homologous chromosomes.
Offspring show variations from each other and their parents because they inherit different combinations of alleles. The differences in characteristics such as blood type, height, and other features stem from the specific set of alleles they receive from each parent.
Mendelian inheritance, discovered by Gregor Mendel, highlights the inheritance patterns seen in many traits, especially those with simple dominant and recessive relationships. However, many human traits follow more complex patterns of inheritance that may involve multiple alleles, co-dominance, and environmental factors influencing gene expression.