Shell color in clams is thought to be controlled by three different genes (each with two alleles). Shell coloration runs a range
between pure white and dark purple. The addition of dominant alleles makes the shells more purple in coloration, while the addition of recessive alleles makes the shells more white. The majority of clams have shells that are medium purple, whereas the other colors are present, but in fewer numbers. This is an example of:A. quantitative traitsB. incomplete dominanceC. codominanceD. mendelian inheritance
In genetics, quantitative traits refer to traits or phenotypes (observable traits) that depend on many factors including multiple genes and actions in the environment. These traits differ from other traits because the traits tend to be more diverse in a population. In the case presented, the shell color in clams is an example of a quantitative trait because this phenotype is the result of three different each and each gene contains two alleles which means the color depends on many factors. Additionally, as most quantitative traits there is a higher variation in the phenotype considering clams can have different hues.
