Examples of dominant and recessive traits

For example, the allele for brown eyes is dominant, therefore you only need one copy of the ‘brown eye’ allele to have brown eyes (although, with two copies you will still have brown eyes). If both alleles are dominant, it is called codominance^?.

(In genetic terms, a dominant trait is one that is phenotypically expressed in heterozygotes). A dominant trait is opposed to a recessive trait which is expressed only when two copies of the gene are present. (In genetic terms, a recessive trait is one that is phenotypically expressed only in homozygotes).

A recessive trait is the weak, unexpressed trait of a dichotomous pair of alleles (dominant-recessive) that has no effect in the phenotype of heterozygous individuals.

Examples of Recessive Traits

For example, having a straight hairline is recessive, while having a widow’s peak (a V-shaped hairline near the forehead) is dominant. Cleft chin, dimples, and freckles are similar examples; individuals with recessive alleles for a cleft chin, dimples, or freckles do not have these traits.

There are two types of genetic traits: dominant and recessive. For example, the gene for having an extra finger is actually dominant, while the gene for having a tall stature is a recessive trait.

Study after study has found that taller men and women are generally considered more attractive. But although they may be prized as supermodels, tall women do not seem to enjoy the same advantages in the dating game, however – an average height generally seems to be preferred.

The laws of genetics state that eye color is inherited as follows: If both parents have blue eyes, the children will have blue eyes. The brown eye form of the eye color gene (or allele) is dominant, whereas the blue eye allele is recessive.

The genetics of height

Genes aren’t the sole predictor of a person’s height. In some instances, a child might be much taller than their parents and other relatives. Or, perhaps, they may be much shorter. Such key differences may be explained by other factors outside of your genes that contribute to height.