Genetics and Heredity My topic is "hereditary." I have always been interested in genetics, and this is a large branch of genetics. In this report I also plan to speak about evolution. I would like to learn more about what causes specific traits and what the future might bring. Body: A person gets his or her traits from their parents. These traits include everything from the person's sex to their mental abilities or problems. These traits are hereditary because they are passed on through genes. They get these genes from their parents and grandparents. They may inherit innate abilities of their parents, such as an affinity for music.