Question

A student claims that dominant traits are always the most common traits. Is this true? Why or why not?(1 point) Responses Yes, dominant traits became more common over time as they are passed down from generation to generation; recessive alleles continue to become less common over time. Yes, dominant traits became more common over time as they are passed down from generation to generation; recessive alleles continue to become less common over time. No, dominant traits in general tend to be less common in the population and continue to persist only because they are dominant over more common recessive alleles. No, dominant traits in general tend to be less common in the population and continue to persist only because they are dominant over more common recessive alleles. Yes, dominant traits are called dominant because they are the most common. Yes, dominant traits are called dominant because they are the most common. No, dominant traits only show up if they are inherited; how common they are is not influenced by this.

Answer 1

The correct response to the student's claim is: No, dominant traits in general tend to be less common in the population and continue to persist only because they are dominant over more common recessive alleles.

This is because a dominant trait can be present in fewer individuals in a population while still expressing itself whenever at least one dominant allele is present. Dominance does not necessarily correlate with frequency; a recessive trait can be more common if it is carried by many individuals in a heterozygous form (where they have one copy of the dominant allele and one of the recessive allele). Furthermore, some dominant traits may arise from mutations and not be widely prevalent. Therefore, the statement that dominant traits are always the most common is incorrect.