The term for a genetic trait that is passed from one generation to the next is "heritable" or "inherited trait." These traits are determined by genes, which are segments of DNA that carry the instructions needed for the growth and functioning of living organisms. When parents reproduce, they pass on specific combinations of alleles (variant forms of a gene) to their offspring. This transmission can lead to the expression of certain characteristics, such as physical appearance, predisposition to certain diseases, and many other traits.