What is the pattern of inheritance for polygenic trait?
Answer: (D) Non-mendelian inheritance pattern. Answer: (D) Non-mendelian inheritance pattern Solution: Polygenic traits are controlled by three or more genes whose effects are additive and are also influenced by the environment, producing a continuous gradient of phenotypes rather than discrete classes.
- A.Autosomal dominant pattern
- B.X-linked recessive inheritance pattern
- C.Mendelian inheritance pattern
- D.Non-mendelian inheritance pattern✓
Correct Answer
(D) Non-mendelian inheritance pattern
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (D) Non-mendelian inheritance pattern Solution: Polygenic traits are controlled by three or more genes whose effects are additive and are also influenced by the environment, producing a continuous gradient of phenotypes rather than discrete classes. This contrasts with the discrete, distinct-allele pattern Mendel described, so polygenic inheritance follows a non-mendelian pattern. NCERT Reference: NCERT Class XII, Ch 4, p.69, lines 4-14: "Mendel's studies mainly described those traits that have distinct alternate forms ... Such traits are generally controlled by three or more genes and are thus called as polygenic traits. Besides the involvement of multiple genes polygenic inheritance also takes into account the influence of environment ... the effect of each allele is additive."