The experimental work of Edward East in 1916,shown in the accompanying figure,confirmed that ________.
A) qualitative traits are essentially impossible to characterize because of their complex nature
B) quantitative traits are essentially impossible to characterize because of their complex nature
C) quantitative traits are established by the combined influence of Mendelian alleles at multiple loci
D) quantitative traits return to qualitative attributes when allowed to outcross in the wild

Question

The experimental work of Edward East in 1916,shown in the accompanying figure,confirmed that ________. 
A) qualitative traits are essentially impossible to characterize because of their complex nature 
B) quantitative traits are essentially impossible to characterize because of their complex nature 
C) quantitative traits are established by the combined influence of Mendelian alleles at multiple loci 
D) quantitative traits return to qualitative attributes when allowed to outcross in the wild

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Edward East's work confirmed that quantitative traits are influenced by multiple genes, each contributing a small effect. This means that the expression of the trait depends on the combination of alleles at multiple loci, rather than a single gene. Therefore, quantitative traits cannot be explained by simple Mendelian genetics and require a more complex understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships.

The Experimental Work of Edward East in 1916,shown in the Accompanying