Heredity refers to the process by which particular characteristics are transmitted from parents to their offspring through genes. It encompasses two seemingly paradoxical observations about organisms: the constancy of a species from generation to generation and the variation among individuals within a species. Every member of a species has a set of genes specific to that species, which provides the constancy of the species. However, variations can occur in the form each gene takes, providing the genetic basis for the fact that no two individuals (except identical twins) have exactly the same traits.

Heredity is the transmission of genetic characters from parents to offspring. Physical traits such as eye color and height are passed down from parents to their children through genes. Heredity plays a significant role in determining the characteristics and potentialities genetically derived from ones ancestors.

In summary, heredity is the process by which characteristics are passed down from parents to their offspring through genes, and it is responsible for the constancy of a species and the variation among individuals within a species.