The Nature Of Traits

Is a trait just a genetic advantage ?, in that - a useful trait originating from ones genes will give the required advantage for survival. Example; Can a person be born "athletic", or more built for running = inherited trait.Or, if one works hard on his running - and sheds wait becoming faster and faster, has he gained a trait? Will his efforts be called a "trait" if he survives a lion attack but his protuberant friend doesn't? Or can it only qualify as a trait if it can be passed on genetically?Is it more complicated in that because he has the ability to shed wait, and the will power to get "faster", his offspring might also have an ability to shed weight and "work hard" - So, can it still be regarded as a trait?Or, is it simply a culmination of fitness/stamina ?, a light body, or whatever, and simply not labelled a trait, because of the possibility that you can't inherit the ability to shed weight etc. as "will power" isn't necessarily inherited - but rather a motivational and random occurence acting on particular circumstances in which an individual might find him/herself in.Now, obviously a long-legged person whom is tall is genetically that way, but are there traits that are unique and are a culmination of characteristics yet cannot necessarily be passed on? This is bothering me.{Sorry, topic got lost for a while. Topic now promoted from "Proposed New Topics" - Adminnemooseus}This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 09-18-2004 10:26 PM

Thanks to Coragyps and Ned. Haha, I wish I had that trait..which got me thinking, will his kids then have this trait if it helped them to survive? Let us pretend fast cycling would help survive for example, would his offspring necessarily have the trat? Just a thought anyway.As for the Kenyans, Coragyps - " - slender calves but strong thigh muscles, and have an odd enzyne that lets them burd fatty acids more efficiently that most people."- I suppose that's a good eaxample then, of something specific, which they obviously inherit. Thanks.

Is this natural election? (oof - awful pun)

Cheers baba. I think that answers everything, I feel kinda silly for asking now. - u make it sound obvious; aaah. So even if a guy was on a fatty diet, you're saying that if he became fit, he would uncover the trait.Will the guy with the trait always do better, or can willpower outdo traitpower? This message has been edited by mike the wiz, 09-20-2004 05:35 PM