Genetics in Action: Polygenic Inheritance

Polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes working together to influence a trait. This concept explains the variety in traits such as eye color, height, and skin color in humans, as well as traits in plants and animals. Different gene combinations result in a wide range of phenotypes, making polygenic traits complex and diverse.

What is the term used to describe the inheritance pattern where multiple genes influence a single trait?

• Epigenetic inheritance

• Polygenic inheritance

• Monogenic inheritance

• Mitochondrial inheritance

Which of the following is an example of a polygenic trait?

• Blood type

• Eye color

• Cystic fibrosis

• Sickle cell anemia

Approximately how many gene pairs are estimated to control skin color?

• Seven to ten

• Three to six

• One to two

• Eleven to fifteen

Which of the following traits is NOT controlled by polygenic inheritance?

• Blood type

• Height

• Skin color

• Hair color

In which of the following organisms is egg production considered a polygenic trait?

• Cows

• Chickens

• Sheep

• Pigs