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Multiple Choice
Why is human height considered a good example of polygenic inheritance?
A
Because it is solely determined by environmental factors.
B
Because it follows a simple dominant-recessive pattern.
C
Because it is influenced by multiple genes, each contributing to the overall phenotype.
D
Because it is determined by a single gene with two alleles.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of polygenic inheritance: Polygenic inheritance occurs when multiple genes influence a single trait. This results in a continuous range of possible phenotypes, rather than discrete categories.
Recognize that human height is a quantitative trait: Human height is not determined by a single gene, but rather by the combined effect of many genes, each contributing a small amount to the overall phenotype.
Consider the genetic variation: In polygenic traits like height, the variation in the trait is due to the additive effects of multiple genes, as well as environmental factors.
Identify the pattern of inheritance: Unlike simple Mendelian traits, which follow a dominant-recessive pattern, polygenic traits like height show a bell-shaped distribution in a population, indicating a range of phenotypes.
Conclude that human height is a good example of polygenic inheritance: Since it is influenced by multiple genes, each contributing to the overall phenotype, human height exemplifies polygenic inheritance.