Which term describes a trait influenced by many genes?

Which term describes a trait influenced by many genes?

• A. Polygenic trait
• B. Monogenic trait
• C. Polygenetic traits
• D. Epistasis

Answer: (C)

Traits influenced by many genes are described as polygenic inheritance. Each gene at different locations contributes a small effect, so the overall phenotype shows continuous variation across a population rather than distinct categories. This helps explain why characteristics like height or skin color span a wide range rather than fitting into a few discrete types. The standard term for a trait governed by multiple genes is polygenic trait; using a plural form isn’t the conventional label for describing a single trait, though it communicates the idea. Epistasis refers to interactions between genes where one gene’s effect depends on another, and monogenic traits are determined by a single gene with clear dominant-recessive patterns.

Traits influenced by many genes are described as polygenic inheritance. Each gene at different locations contributes a small effect, so the overall phenotype shows continuous variation across a population rather than distinct categories. This helps explain why characteristics like height or skin color span a wide range rather than fitting into a few discrete types. The standard term for a trait governed by multiple genes is polygenic trait; using a plural form isn’t the conventional label for describing a single trait, though it communicates the idea. Epistasis refers to interactions between genes where one gene’s effect depends on another, and monogenic traits are determined by a single gene with clear dominant-recessive patterns.