Question

Why do polygenic characteristics have many phenotypes?

   Why do polygenic characteristics have many phenotypes?

Genetics: A Conceptual Approach

Genetics: A Conceptual Approach

Benjamin Pierce 6th Edition

Chapter 24, Problem 3

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Shiksha Dutta

07/04/2020

Step 1

This means that many genotypes are possible. Show more…

Show all steps

lock

Thanks for your feedback!

Why do polygenic characteristics have many phenotypes?

Play audio

Feedback

Powered by NumerAI

Shiksha Dutta and 99 other subject Biology educators are ready to help you.

Ask a new question

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

Polygenic Inheritance

This concept refers to traits that are influenced by multiple genes rather than a single gene. In polygenic inheritance, each gene contributes a small effect, and the cumulative influence of these genes produces a wide range of possible phenotypes.

Additive Gene Effects

In polygenic traits, the effects of the individual genes add together. Each gene’s contribution is cumulative, meaning that variations in each gene can slightly adjust the overall phenotype, leading to a continuum of phenotypic outcomes instead of distinct categories.

Continuous Variation

Polygenic traits often exhibit continuous variation, where there is a smooth gradation of phenotypes. This results in a broad spectrum of observable traits, such as height or skin color, that follow a bell-shaped distribution rather than showing clear, separate groups.

Recommended Videos

Transcript

Ace is your personal tutor. It breaks down any question with clear steps so you can learn.

Start Using Ace

Continue solving this problem

Create a free account to:

View full step-by-step solution
Ask follow-up questions with Ace AI
Save progress and study later