A bell curve is characteristic of the distribution of phenotypes of a multifactorial trait because
A)the phenotypes in the middle of the curve correspond to fewer genotypes than the phenotypes at the ends of the distribution.
B)the phenotypes at the ends of the curve correspond to fewer genotypes than the phenotypes at the middle of the distribution.
C)most people are average for the trait.
D)people at the extreme ends of the distribution do not survive to reproduce.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bell curve, or normal distribution, is characteristic of multifactorial traits because the majority of individuals will have a phenotype that is average, resulting from the combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors. This leads to more genotypes contributing to these average phenotypes, which are represented in the middle of the curve. In contrast, extreme phenotypes (at the ends of the curve) are less common and correspond to fewer genotypes.

A Bell Curve Is Characteristic of the Distribution of Phenotypes