Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

Which term refers to the condition where traits from both alleles are expressed in the phenotype of offspring?

1. Codominance

2. Genotype

3. Heterozygous

4. Incomplete dominance

The correct answer is: Codominance

The correct term that describes the condition in which traits from both alleles are expressed in the phenotype of offspring is codominance. In codominance, neither allele is dominant over the other, leading to a situation where both traits are fully represented in the phenotype. A classic example of codominance can be seen in certain breeds of cattle, where one breed has red fur and another has white fur. The offspring of these two breeds may display both red and white fur simultaneously, illustrating how both alleles are expressed equally. The other terms do not specifically describe this situation. For instance, genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, while heterozygous indicates the presence of two different alleles at a locus without directly addressing their phenotypic expression. Incomplete dominance involves a blending of traits rather than the simultaneous expression of both. Therefore, codominance is the most accurate choice for the condition described in the question.