What does polygenic inheritance refer to?

Polygenic inheritance refers to traits that are influenced by multiple genes rather than a single gene. This means that several different genes contribute to the development of a particular trait, often leading to a continuous range of phenotypes. For example, traits like height, skin color, and eye color in humans are typical examples of polygenic traits, as they are determined by the interactions of multiple genes, each adding to the overall phenotype.

This form of inheritance contrasts with traits controlled by a single gene, where the expression is more straightforward and tends to follow a clear Mendelian pattern. In polygenic inheritance, the resultant phenotype is often influenced by environmental factors as well, making it more complex and variable.