Heredity is the process by which traits and characteristics are passed from parents to their offspring. This transfer of information occurs through genes, which are segments of DNA found in every living organism. For example, a child may inherit their mother's eye color or father's height due to the genetic information they receive from each parent. The study of heredity helps us understand how certain traits are inherited and can even influence health. For instance, some people may inherit a tendency for certain diseases from their family, highlighting the importance of genetics in our lives.