Continuously varying characters
A) are affected by genes at only one locus.
B) have a large effect on the phenotype.
C) can be greatly affected by the environment.
D) do not help to explain how variation is maintained.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Continuously varying characters, also known as quantitative traits, can be greatly affected by the environment, such as nutrition, temperature, and exposure to toxins. While genes at multiple loci can contribute to the phenotype, the effects may be small and influenced by environmental factors. Therefore, choice C is the best option. A, B, and D are incorrect because continuously varying characters can be influenced by multiple genes at different loci, may have small effects on phenotype, and can help explain how variation is maintained in a population through mechanisms such as natural selection or genetic drift.

Continuously Varying Characters