What is a group of animals which have similar traits and pass the traits on to their offspring?

The term that accurately describes a group of animals sharing similar traits and passing these traits on to their offspring is "breed." Breeds are typically bred for specific characteristics such as size, shape, color, or abilities, which can be enhanced or preserved through selective breeding practices. This concept is prevalent in both domesticated animals, like dogs and cattle, and even in cultivated plants, where maintaining specific traits is essential for agricultural purposes.

In contrast, the other terms refer to broader or different classifications. "Species" denotes a more general classification that encompasses all the individuals that can reproduce together and produce offspring capable of doing the same, but it does not address the specific traits or selection aspect. "Herd" generally refers to a group of animals, often livestock, that are kept and managed together but does not specifically imply shared breeding traits. "Flock" is used primarily for groups of birds or sheep and also lacks the emphasis on genetically selected traits that distinguishes a breed. Thus, "breed" specifically embodies the concept of shared and inheritable traits among individuals in the group.