A student claims that dominant traits are always the most common traits. Is this true? Why or why not?(1 point) Responses Yes, dominant traits became more common over time as they are passed down from generation to generation; recessive alleles continue to become less common over time. Yes, dominant traits became more common over time as they are passed down from generation to generation; recessive alleles continue to become less common over time. Yes, dominant traits are called dominant because they are the most common. Yes, dominant traits are called dominant because they are the most common. No, dominant traits only show up if they are inherited; how common they are is not influenced by this. No, dominant traits only show up if they are inherited; how common they are is not influenced by this. No, dominant traits in general tend to be less common in the population and continue to persist only because they are dominant over more common recessive alleles.
No, dominant traits in general tend to be less common in the population and continue to persist only because they are dominant over more common recessive alleles.
No, dominant traits are not always the most common traits. The reason why dominant traits are called dominant is because they are expressed or observed when only one copy of the respective gene is present in an individual. However, the frequency of a trait in a population is determined by various factors such as selection pressures, genetic drift, mutation rates, and gene flow.
In some cases, dominant traits may indeed be more common if they provide a selective advantage, leading to an increase in their frequency over time. However, it is also possible for a recessive trait to be more common if it has a selective advantage or if it is maintained in the population due to other factors.
Therefore, the prevalence of dominant traits in a population is not solely determined by their dominance, but rather by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
The correct answer is: No, dominant traits in general tend to be less common in the population and continue to persist only because they are dominant over more common recessive alleles.
To understand why this is the case, let's first define dominant and recessive traits. Traits are determined by genes, which are segments of DNA that code for specific characteristics. An individual's DNA consists of two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. Dominant traits are those that are expressed even if only one copy of the gene is present, while recessive traits are only expressed if two copies of the gene are present.
In a population, the frequency of dominant traits is not necessarily correlated with their dominance. The frequency of a trait depends on various factors, including genetic variation and the interplay of selective pressures.
There are several reasons why dominant traits tend to be less common in the population:
1. Heterozygote advantage: In some cases, individuals who have one copy of a dominant allele and one copy of a recessive allele may have a survival advantage. This can lead to higher fitness and greater representation of recessive traits in the population.
2. Recessive allele persistence: Recessive alleles can persist in populations even if they are less common because they can remain hidden in carriers who have one copy of the recessive allele and one copy of the dominant allele. These carriers can pass down the recessive allele to their offspring, where it may become expressed in later generations.
3. Genetic drift: Random chance can also influence the frequency of traits in a population. Through genetic drift, the frequency of certain traits may fluctuate over time, regardless of their dominance.
It is important to note that while dominant traits may not be the most common in a population, they can still play a significant role in inheritance patterns and the expression of certain characteristics.