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Chapter 28: Problem 4

Explain the difference between a continuous trait and a discontinuous trait. Give two examples of each. Are quantitative traits likely to be continuous or discontinuous? Explain why.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Continuous traits are qualities that exist along a spectrum, are controlled by multiple genes and can be influenced by the environment; examples include height and skin color. Discontinuous traits are qualities determined by a small number of genes, showing few, distinct phenotypes unaffected by the environment; examples include blood type or earlobe attachment in humans. Quantitative traits are likely to be continuous as they are influenced by multiple genes and can be affected by the environment.

Step by step solution

01

Define Continuous and Discontinuous Traits

Continuous traits are those that exist across a spectrum. They are determined by multiple genes and can be influenced by environment. On the other hand, discontinuous traits are controlled by a small number of genes and display a limited number of distinct phenotypes (outward characteristics). They cannot be influenced by environment.
02

Examples of Continuous and Discontinuous Traits

Continuous traits could include traits like height or skin color in humans, as there is a wide range of possibilities. Discontinuous traits could include traits like blood type or earlobe attachment in humans as there are distinct categories with no in-between values.
03

Classify and Explain Quantitative Traits

Quantitative traits are likely to be continuous. This is because they are usually influenced by multiple genes (polygenic), similar to continuous traits. Also, like continuous traits, they can be influenced by environment, which allows for the existence of a spectrum of phenotypes.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

At the molecular level, explain why quantitative traits often exhibit a continuum of phenotypes within a population. How does the environment help produce this continuum?

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