The model which best explains the inheritance of complex traits, such as height, weight, and IQ, attributes the control of the traits to:
A)a single gene with dominant and recessive alleles.
B)two genes with independent assortment.
C)more than one gene with no effect of the environment.
D)more than one gene plus environmental effects.
E)environmental factors and not genetic factors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Complex traits such as height, weight, and IQ are controlled by more than one gene, referred to as polygenic inheritance. Environmental factors can also have an impact on these traits. Therefore, the model that best explains the inheritance of complex traits is more than one gene plus environmental effects. Choice A is incorrect because complex traits are not controlled by a single gene with dominant and recessive alleles. Choice B is incorrect because complex traits are not controlled by two genes with independent assortment. Choice C is incorrect because complex traits are not controlled by more than one gene with no effect of the environment. Choice E is incorrect because genetic factors do play a role in the inheritance of complex traits.

The Model Which Best Explains the Inheritance of Complex Traits