Question

Are quantitative traits monogenic or polygenic?

Answer 1

A quantitative trait:

• It is a kind of phenotypic (visible) character that can be measured.
• It is depending upon the combined traits and activity of various genes.
• It is also affected by environmental influences.
• The quantitative trait phenotype expression is continuously varied by factors like environment. For example, at different temperatures, it will be expressed differently unlike qualitative traits that remain same at different environmental conditions.

We know that the monogenic is a trait that has been expressed by a single (mono) gene. Whereas polygenic is influenced by multiple (poly) genes.

And therefore, from the above explanation about the quantitative traits, it is clear that they are controlled and influenced by multiple genes and hence are polygenic in nature.