How are hereditary traits primarily transmitted from parents to offspring?

Hereditary traits are primarily transmitted from parents to offspring through genetic material in DNA. DNA carries the genes that encode for various traits and characteristics passed down from one generation to the next. Each parent contributes half of the genetic material, which combines to define the genetic makeup of the offspring. This transmission occurs during reproduction, where the sperm and egg contain the necessary genetic data that guide growth, development, and various biological functions.

While environmental factors can influence the expression of traits, they do not carry genetic information. Epigenetic modifications pertain to changes in gene expression rather than the DNA sequence itself and do not directly pass traits to offspring in the same way. Maternal nutrition can impact the development and health of the offspring but does not serve as a mechanism for transmitting genetic information. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the foundational role of DNA in heredity.