Body size in mice is controlled in part by genetics. The following data show the number of mice grouped by lengths:

Question

Length Group Number of Mice
Very small (4-5 cm) 2
Small (5-7 cm) 6
Average (7-10 cm) 15
Large (10-12 cm) 7
Very large (12-13 cm) 1

Identify the inheritance pattern that this trait follows in mice.

(1 point)
Responses

incomplete dominance
incomplete dominance

Mendelian
Mendelian

polygenic
polygenic

complete dominance
complete dominance

Answer 1

The data you provided shows a range of body sizes in mice, which suggests that multiple genes may be influencing this trait. The presence of a continuous range of lengths (rather than just distinct categories) typically indicates that the trait is influenced by multiple genes, which is characteristic of polygenic inheritance.

Therefore, the appropriate response would be:

polygenic