A trait controlled by more than one gene is called what?

A trait controlled by more than one gene is called what?

• A. Traits controlled by a single gene
• B. Traits that are dominant
• C. Traits unaffected by environment
• D. Traits produced by several genes

Answer: (D)

When a trait is controlled by more than one gene, it’s called polygenic inheritance. Each gene adds to the overall phenotype, so you get a range of possible expressions rather than just a single form. This explains why many traits show continuous variation—think of height or skin color, where many genes contribute small effects and the environment can also influence the final outcome. The other ideas describe traits controlled by a single gene, or by dominance patterns, or claim the environment has no effect, which doesn’t fit the multi-gene control described here.

When a trait is controlled by more than one gene, it’s called polygenic inheritance. Each gene adds to the overall phenotype, so you get a range of possible expressions rather than just a single form. This explains why many traits show continuous variation—think of height or skin color, where many genes contribute small effects and the environment can also influence the final outcome. The other ideas describe traits controlled by a single gene, or by dominance patterns, or claim the environment has no effect, which doesn’t fit the multi-gene control described here.