When many genes work together to determine a characteristic, there may be a large range of phenotypes that are expressed. Why is this?
A) Because each allele of the genes may be differently structured, leaving a large variety of outcomes.
B) Because there are many combinations of dominant and recessive genes that can lead to various levels of the characteristic being expressed.
C) Because each gene is contributed to by a different chromosome, bringing more phenotypical variety into the characteristic.
D) Because the genes all work to "cancel" each other out, leaving only one "odd" gene to express the phenotype.

Question

When many genes work together to determine a characteristic, there may be a large range of phenotypes that are expressed. Why is this?
A) ​Because each allele of the genes may be differently structured, leaving a large variety of outcomes.
B) ​Because there are many combinations of dominant and recessive genes that can lead to various levels of the characteristic being expressed.
C) ​Because each gene is contributed to by a different chromosome, bringing more phenotypical variety into the characteristic.
D) ​Because the genes all work to "cancel" each other out, leaving only one "odd" gene to express the phenotype.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When multiple genes work together to determine a characteristic, there can be a large range of phenotypes expressed because there are many possible combinations of dominant and recessive genes that can lead to various levels of the characteristic being expressed. This is known as polygenic inheritance.

When Many Genes Work Together to Determine a Characteristic, There