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Multiple Choice
Which of the following traits is an example of polygenic inheritance?
A
Blood type in humans
B
Flower color in pea plants
C
Sickle cell anemia
D
Height in humans
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of polygenic inheritance: Polygenic inheritance refers to a trait that is controlled by multiple genes, often resulting in a continuous range of phenotypes. This is different from single-gene traits, which are controlled by one gene and typically show discrete phenotypes.
Identify traits that are examples of polygenic inheritance: Traits like height, skin color, and weight in humans are examples of polygenic inheritance because they are influenced by multiple genes and show a wide range of variation.
Examine the traits listed in the problem: Blood type in humans is determined by a single gene with multiple alleles, flower color in pea plants is controlled by a single gene, and sickle cell anemia is a single-gene disorder. These are not examples of polygenic inheritance.
Recognize that height in humans is influenced by multiple genes: Height is a classic example of polygenic inheritance because it is affected by the interaction of several genes, along with environmental factors, leading to a continuous variation in height among individuals.
Conclude that height in humans is the correct example of polygenic inheritance from the given options, as it fits the definition of being controlled by multiple genes and showing a range of phenotypes.