What does it mean for a trait to be polygenic? 🔊
A polygenic trait is one that is influenced by multiple genes, rather than being determined by a single gene. Traits such as height, skin color, and intelligence exhibit polygenic inheritance, resulting in a continuous range of phenotypes. Since multiple alleles contribute to these traits, they can show a broad spectrum of variations, rather than discrete categories. Polygenic traits can also be influenced by environmental factors, further complicating their expression. Understanding polygenic traits is essential for comprehending the complexity of genetics and the interplay between genetics and environment.
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