Question: Element Benders can pass on their abilities genetically. I'm wondering is an avatar that has access to more elements than usual is able to pass on more than their native bending talent. We haven't, to my knowledge much to go on but this family tree.

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/I76q1.jpg)

I doubt we'll see any hard evidence soon (i.e. proof by contradiction), but if there is something I've missed theory wise, it would help answer.

I see two lines of thought on this:

1. Being an avatar is if not hereditary, some how genetic. Some portion of gene could be passed on unlocking non-native bending.
2. Being an avatar is purely spiritual, and cannot be 'passed on' as with normal bending genes. This may imply however that non-avatars can become avatars if they contemplate their navels thoroughly enough...

Which one is correct, or is there a third option?

Answer: 
I would say number 2:

> 
> Being an avatar is purely spiritual, and cannot be 'passed on' as with normal bending genes. This may imply however that non-avatars can become avatars if they contemplate their navels thoroughly enough...
> 
> 
> 

I believe this because as of yet, we have no information that Korra is related to Aang, nor that Roku or any of the other past avatars are related to each other.  

Also given the fact that there is a new avatar only at the correct time, ie the old one is always gone before the new one arrives, I would say that 'passing on' the avatar status is spiritual and not genetic.

However, I do not beleive that "non-avatars can become avatars if they contemplate their navels thoroughly enough".

The avatar is a spiritual thing, the avatar is the bridge between the spirit world and the human world.
The [Avatar Wiki](http://avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Avatar) backs me up on this:

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> The Avatar is the spirit of the planet incarnated in human form
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> 
> 

The world is an entity, entities only have one spirit, Therefore there is only one bridge between the spirit world and the earthen world at a time. 

One world, one avatar, that is all there can be.
No, the avatar can only pass on their native elements to their children. Hope that helps. :)