Question

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

Answer 1

The data provided on the body size of mice suggests a range of sizes, indicating that the trait is likely influenced by multiple genes rather than a single gene with complete dominance. The presence of various size categories (very small, small, average, large, very large) and the distribution of the number of mice across those categories suggests a continuous variation in traits rather than distinct categories.

Therefore, the inheritance pattern that this trait follows in mice is **polygenic** inheritance.

This type of inheritance involves multiple genes contributing to a single trait, resulting in a range of phenotypes, which aligns with the data you've presented.