Which term describes traits controlled by two or more genes?

Which term describes traits controlled by two or more genes?

• A. Polygenic traits
• B. Monogenic traits
• C. Epistasis
• D. Allelic dominance

Answer: (D)

Traits influenced by two or more genes are called polygenic traits. Each gene adds a small effect, and their combined influence produces continuous variation rather than distinct categories. This is why features like height, skin color, and many aspects of facial traits show a wide spectrum rather than clear-break patterns. Monogenic traits are controlled by a single gene and often follow Mendelian ratios. Allelic dominance refers to when one allele masks the effect of another at the same gene, not to how many genes control a trait. Epistasis describes interactions between different genes that modify expression, which is about gene interaction rather than the number of genes involved. So, the best term for traits controlled by two or more genes is polygenic traits.

Traits influenced by two or more genes are called polygenic traits. Each gene adds a small effect, and their combined influence produces continuous variation rather than distinct categories. This is why features like height, skin color, and many aspects of facial traits show a wide spectrum rather than clear-break patterns. Monogenic traits are controlled by a single gene and often follow Mendelian ratios. Allelic dominance refers to when one allele masks the effect of another at the same gene, not to how many genes control a trait. Epistasis describes interactions between different genes that modify expression, which is about gene interaction rather than the number of genes involved. So, the best term for traits controlled by two or more genes is polygenic traits.