Topic 10.

3 Polygenic Inheritance

Polygenic inheritance involves two or more genes influencing

the expression of a single trait.

Being influenced by multiple genes can lead to continuous

variation, which means there are many intermediate states (i.e.
not just black or white). Height is a good example.

10.3.1

Skin color involves at least 3 independent genes (6 alleles),

which contributes to a continuous variation in phenotypes.

Notice how there is a defined curve in the graph of skin

colors. This is what defines the continuous variation.

10.3.2

Height also involves the interaction of several genes and shows

a continuous variation in the population.

Factors such as height and skin color often show variation as a

result of environment factors (i.e. melanin production).

10.3.2