MDCAT Biology MCQ #3649

A group of scientists are studying the evolution of a particular trait in a population of animals. They find that the trait is influenced by multiple genes, each with a small effect. What is the most likely explanation for the evolution of this trait?

MDCAT Biology MCQ #3649

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A group of scientists are studying the evolution of a particular trait in a population of animals. They find that the trait is influenced by multiple genes, each with a small effect. What is the most likely explanation for the evolution of this trait?

    • A) A single mutation with a large effect
    • B) Polygenic inheritance with multiple genes contributing
    • C) Epigenetic factors influencing gene expression
    • D) Gene-environment interaction

    Answer: Polygenic inheritance with multiple genes contributing

    Explanation: Polygenic inheritance explains small effect sizes, most tempting wrong option fails as single mutation is rare.