Question

Traits that are conditioned by one locus are most appropriately termed ________.

1) qualitative traits

2) quantitative traits

3) continuously variable traits

4) environmentally conditioned traits

Answer 1

Traits conditioned by one locus are termed qualitative traits, which have distinct phenotypes and are determined by a single gene locus; unlike quantitative traits which are influenced by multiple loci and show continuous variation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Traits that are conditioned by one locus are most appropriately termed qualitative traits. Qualitative traits are those that are determined by a single gene locus and have distinct phenotypes, such as the presence or absence of a particular trait.

Qualitative traits tend to be either expressed or not, such as Mendel's purple vs. white flowers. This is distinct from quantitative traits, which are influenced by multiple gene loci and often show a continuous range of variation, like height or weight. Quantitative traits are often measured and vary more within a population, showing what is known as continuous variation.

The genotype of an organism for a given trait is determined by the pair of alleles it possesses, which can be dominant or recessive as observed in Mendelian inheritance patterns.

Answer 2

Traits that are conditioned by one locus are most appropriately termed 1) qualitative traits.

Step-by-step explanation:

Qualitative traits are those determined by the alleles at a single locus, and they exhibit distinct, non-gradual variations. These traits are often governed by a single gene, and the phenotypes can be clearly categorized into discrete classes. Examples include traits with simple Mendelian inheritance patterns, such as seed color in pea plants or blood type in humans, where the expression is influenced by a single locus.

In contrast, quantitative traits (Option 2) involve the influence of multiple genes and environmental factors, leading to a continuous range of phenotypic variations. Continuously variable traits (Option 3) may also refer to quantitative traits that exhibit a continuous spectrum of variations. Environmentally conditioned traits (Option 4) emphasize the impact of the environment on trait expression, but this is not specific to traits conditioned by one locus.

In summary, 1) qualitative traits are appropriately used to describe traits conditioned by one locus, reflecting the clear and distinct phenotypic categories associated with the expression of alleles at a specific genetic locus.