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Traits and Variance definitions

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  • Continuous Trait
    A characteristic that can assume any value within a range, often measured with decimals, like human height or weight.
  • Categorical Trait
    A characteristic sorted into distinct groups, with no intermediate values, such as flower color or Dalmatian spots.
  • Threshold Trait
    A characteristic expressed only when a combination of genetic and environmental factors surpasses a specific limit.
  • Counting Trait
    A characteristic measured in whole numbers, never fractions, like the number of eggs a bird lays.
  • Complex Inheritance
    A pattern involving multiple genes or environmental influences, often resulting in a wide range of phenotypes.
  • Simple Inheritance
    A pattern involving a single gene, typically following Mendelian ratios such as 3:1 or 9:3:3:1.
  • Polygenic Inheritance
    A pattern where multiple genes contribute additively or non-additively to a single phenotype, creating variation.
  • Additive Allele
    A gene variant that increases the effect on a phenotype, with each copy contributing to the trait's expression.
  • Non-Additive Allele
    A gene variant that does not contribute to the phenotype, even when present in the genotype.
  • Phenotypic Category
    A distinct observable group resulting from genetic combinations, calculated using specific formulas in polygenic traits.
  • Mendelian Ratio
    A predictable proportion of offspring phenotypes, such as 3:1, seen in simple inheritance patterns.
  • F2 Generation
    The group of offspring resulting from crossing two F1 individuals, often showing a range of phenotypes in polygenic traits.
  • Parental Phenotype
    The observable traits of the original organisms used in a genetic cross, used as a reference in inheritance studies.
  • Genetic Formula
    A mathematical expression used to determine gene count or phenotype number, such as '1/4^n' or '2n+1'.