Which of the following describes traits that are controlled by multiple genes?

Which of the following describes traits that are controlled by multiple genes?

• A. Polygenic traits
• B. Monogenic traits
• C. Dominant traits
• D. Recessive traits

Answer: (A)

Polygenic traits are those that are influenced by two or more genes, which contributes to the trait's variation. This means that the traits undergo contributions from multiple genetic loci, resulting in a continuous range of phenotypes rather than discrete categories. Common examples of polygenic traits include human height, skin color, and eye color, which show a wide spectrum of variations. Monogenic traits, on the other hand, are controlled by a single gene and manifest typical Mendelian inheritance patterns. Dominant and recessive traits refer to how alleles interact in terms of presence or expression; dominant traits can mask the influence of recessive traits but do not encompass the idea of multiple gene involvement in trait development. Therefore, polygenic traits are specifically characterized by the complexity of being influenced by multiple genetic factors, making it distinct from monogenic, dominant, or recessive traits.

Polygenic traits are those that are influenced by two or more genes, which contributes to the trait's variation. This means that the traits undergo contributions from multiple genetic loci, resulting in a continuous range of phenotypes rather than discrete categories. Common examples of polygenic traits include human height, skin color, and eye color, which show a wide spectrum of variations.

Monogenic traits, on the other hand, are controlled by a single gene and manifest typical Mendelian inheritance patterns. Dominant and recessive traits refer to how alleles interact in terms of presence or expression; dominant traits can mask the influence of recessive traits but do not encompass the idea of multiple gene involvement in trait development. Therefore, polygenic traits are specifically characterized by the complexity of being influenced by multiple genetic factors, making it distinct from monogenic, dominant, or recessive traits.