Biology of Business

Genetics

Inheritance

By Alex Denne

The transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring. Inheritance determines which traits are passed between generations.

Used in the Books

This term appears in 8 chapters:

Foundations Reproduction and Replication

"...pigenetics: Adapting Without Changing DNA Here's where reproduction gets truly subtle. For decades, biology taught that only DNA sequence determines inheritance - that acquired characteristics can't be inherited. A giraffe that stretches its neck doesn't produce offspring with longer necks."

Foundations Symbiosis and Exchange

"... Comprehensive coverage of mitochondrial structure and function, including evidence for endosymbiotic origin: double membrane, separate DNA, maternal inheritance, and independent reproduction cycle. Essential foundation for understanding how symbiotic partnerships can evolve into permanent organizational integ..."

Foundations Natural Selection

"...gmented operations, profitability-first). Heritability: Rocket Internet's playbook - replicate Western winners in emerging markets - was Jumia's inheritance. But the DNA assumed infrastructure that didn't exist. Differential survival: Jumia survived by retreating and adapting."

Competitive Dynamics Sexual Selection

"...Preference Becomes Law Fisher's runaway selection model requires four conditions: 1. Initial slight preference (can be random) 2. Genetic/cultural inheritance of preference 3. Correlation between trait and reproductive success 4. Feedback amplification Supreme satisfied all four in business terms: Initi..."

Growth Stages Early Growth

"...he first 7-14 days post-germination, the seedling runs entirely on cotyledon reserves. Photosynthesis hasn't started yet. The plant is living off its inheritance, burning through the energy bank its parent provided. If true leaves don't develop before cotyledon reserves deplete, the seedling dies."

And 3 more chapters...

Biological Context

Mendel discovered inheritance rules using pea plants. Chromosomes carry inherited information. Some traits follow simple patterns; others involve multiple genes and environment. Epigenetic inheritance can pass information beyond DNA sequence.

Business Application

Organizational inheritance: what passes from one generation of leaders, employees, or products to the next. Culture, knowledge, and practices are inherited. Some inheritance is explicit (documentation); much is tacit (learned through experience).

Related Terms

Tags

geneticsheredityevolution