Which of the following traits would you expect to be inherited as quantitative traits?

growth rate in sheep

Key Concepts

Quantitative Traits

Quantitative traits are characteristics that are influenced by multiple genes and can be measured on a continuous scale, such as height, weight, or growth rate. Unlike qualitative traits, which are typically determined by a single gene and exhibit discrete categories, quantitative traits show a range of phenotypes due to the additive effects of several alleles.

Polygenic Inheritance

Polygenic inheritance refers to the phenomenon where multiple genes contribute to a single trait. Each gene may have a small additive effect on the phenotype, leading to a continuous distribution of traits in a population. This is particularly relevant for traits like growth rate in sheep, where various genetic factors interact to influence the overall growth.

Environmental Influence

Environmental factors can significantly affect the expression of quantitative traits. For example, nutrition, climate, and management practices can alter the growth rate in sheep, demonstrating that while genetics play a crucial role, the environment also shapes phenotypic outcomes. Understanding this interaction is essential for predicting trait inheritance.