Question

The hairline pattern called a widow’s peak is an inherited trait that is easily visible in humans. For people who express this trait, their hairline forms a V shape above the forehead. People who do not express the trait for a widow’s peak have a straight hairline above the forehead. Which statement best explains how traits such as a widow’s peak are inherited?

A: Offspring can express traits from genes they inherited from both parents.

B: Offspring can only express traits from genes they inherited from only one parent.

C: Offspring can express traits from genes they inherited from a source other than the parents.

D: Offspring can only express traits from genes they inherited from their parent that is the same gender.

Answer 1

A. Inherited from both parents
As traits via genes are passed down to offsprings by parents through gametes.So these traits are inherited from parents (they might be hidden but will be inherited)

Answer 2

The statement that best explains how traits such as a widow’s peak are inherited is A: Offspring can express traits from genes they inherited from both parents.

In humans, traits are inherited through the passing of genes from parents to their offspring. Each person has two copies of each gene, one inherited from their mother and one from their father. The expression of traits, such as a widow’s peak, is determined by the combination of genes inherited from both parents.

In the case of a widow’s peak, there is a dominant gene that causes the trait to be expressed. If an individual inherits at least one copy of the dominant gene from one of their parents, they will express the trait. If an individual inherits two copies of the recessive gene from both parents, they will not express the trait.

Therefore, offspring can express traits from genes they inherited from both parents, as in the case of a widow's peak, which is determined by the combination of genes inherited from both parents