Here's why:
* Genetics: A horse's fur color is determined by its genes, which are passed down from its parents. Specific genes control the production of pigments that create the different shades of fur.
* No environmental influence: The environment, such as diet or exposure to sunlight, cannot change a horse's fur color permanently. While some factors might temporarily alter the shade (like sun bleaching), the underlying genetic makeup determines the base color.
Acquired traits are changes that occur during an organism's lifetime due to environmental factors, not genetics. Examples include:
* Scars
* Muscle growth from exercise
* Learning a new skill
Inherited traits are passed down from parents to offspring through genes. Examples include:
* Eye color
* Height
* Fur color
Therefore, a horse's fur color is a inherited trait governed by its genetic makeup.