Which one of the following is an example of polygenic inheritance ?

Options

A. Flower colour in Mirabilis jalapa
B. Production of male honey bee
C. Pod shape in garden pea
D. Skin colour in humans

Answer

To determine which of the given options is an example of polygenic inheritance, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Polygenic Inheritance
Polygenic inheritance refers to a situation where multiple genes (more than one) contribute to a single trait. This results in a continuous range of phenotypes rather than discrete categories.

**Hint:** Look for traits that are influenced by multiple genes rather than a single gene.

### Step 2: Analyze Each Option
Now, let's evaluate each of the provided options to see which one fits the criteria of polygenic inheritance.

1. **Flower color in Mirabilis Jalapa**: This is an example of incomplete dominance, where one allele is not completely dominant over another, leading to a blending of traits. Thus, it does not represent polygenic inheritance.

**Hint:** Incomplete dominance involves a blending of traits, not multiple genes influencing a single trait.

2. **Production of male honey bee**: This trait is determined by a single gene (the haplodiploidy system in bees), so it does not qualify as polygenic inheritance.

**Hint:** Check if the trait is influenced by more than one gene.

3. **Pod shape in garden pea**: This trait is controlled by a single gene with two alleles (round vs. wrinkled), which is a classic example of Mendelian inheritance, not polygenic inheritance.

**Hint:** Mendelian traits are typically controlled by a single gene.

4. **Skin color in humans**: This trait is influenced by multiple genes (at least three known genes: A, B, and C), making it a classic example of polygenic inheritance. The interaction of these genes results in a wide range of skin tones.

**Hint:** Look for traits that show a continuous variation, indicating multiple genes are involved.

### Step 3: Conclusion
After analyzing all the options, the correct answer is **skin color in humans**, as it exemplifies polygenic inheritance.

**Final Answer:** Skin color in humans is an example of polygenic inheritance.

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