Here's how it works:
* Neither allele is fully dominant: Instead of one allele completely masking the other, both alleles contribute to the phenotype.
* Intermediate phenotype: The resulting phenotype is a blend or mixture of the two parental traits.
* Example: In snapdragons, a red flower (RR) crossed with a white flower (WW) will produce offspring with pink flowers (RW). The pink flowers are an intermediate phenotype resulting from the incomplete dominance of the red and white alleles.
Other patterns of inheritance that are not strictly dominant/recessive:
* Codominance: Both alleles are expressed equally, resulting in a phenotype that shows both traits. For example, in blood type, AB blood type is codominant, expressing both A and B antigens.
* Multiple alleles: More than two alleles exist for a particular gene. For instance, the ABO blood group system involves three alleles (IA, IB, and i).
* Polygenic inheritance: Multiple genes contribute to a single trait, leading to a wider range of phenotypes. Examples include skin color, height, and eye color.
Key points to remember:
* Incomplete dominance is just one way genes can interact.
* The specific inheritance pattern depends on the specific genes involved.
* Understanding these different inheritance patterns is crucial for understanding genetic diversity and complex traits.
