Final answer:
The pattern of inheritance for Rh factor is codominance, where two different alleles are expressed equally and distinctly. This results in Rh-positive or Rh-negative blood types, inherited independently from each other.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pattern of inheritance for Rh factor is best described as codominance. This pattern of inheritance corresponds to the equal, distinct, and simultaneous expression of two different alleles. It is different from autosomal recessive inheritance, where a trait is only displayed when two copies of the recessive allele are present, and from X-linked dominant or recessive inheritance, which is determined by genes on the X chromosome.
In the context of Rh factor, individuals can be Rh-positive (if they have at least one Rh-positive allele) or Rh-negative (if they have two Rh-negative alleles). This is because the Rh-positive allele is dominant, but when both alleles are present (heterozygous), each is expressed equally, hence the codominance. The inheritance of the Rh factor is an example of discontinuous variation, where the traits are distinct: either Rh-positive or Rh-negative, each inherited independently of one another.