She has her mother's eyes. He has his father's nose. People, animals, and plants inherit traits from their parents through their genes. Variations and new combinations of genes create the differences that make each individual unique. Through simplified explanations of complex scientific concepts, full-color images, and informative sidebars, this book supports the Next Generation Science Standards on heredity and inheritance of traits by discussing how genes are passed on through the generations, how variations occur, and how these genetic changes can help humans and other populations survive. A Further Reading section with current books and websites and a bibliography encourage further exploration of the subject.