For the scientific journal Heredity see Heredity (journal)

Heredity (the adjective is hereditary) is the transfer of characters from parent to offspring, either through their genes or through the social institution called inheritance (for example, a title of nobility is passed from individual to individual according to relevant customs and/or laws).

Biology

In biology, heredity refers to the transference of biological characteristics from a parent organism to offspring, and is practically a homonym for genetics, as genes are now recognized as the carriers of biological information. In humans, defining which characteristics of a final person are due to heredity and which are due to environmental influences is often a site of controversy (the nature versus nurture debate), especially regarding intelligence and race.

Sociology

The social institution called inheritance. One's bloodline is one's familial ancestry. See also meme.