Question

which statement describes the difference between dominance and incomplete dominance?

a. in incomplete dominance, the recessive trait will be masked, but a dominant trait in an organism will display the recessive phenotype.
b. a recessive trait is completely masked by a dominant trait, but incomplete dominance produces a blend of the two traits.
c. incomplete dominance produces a blend of the two traits, but in dominance both traits are apparent.
d. a recessive trait is completely masked by a dominant trait, but in incomplete dominance both traits are apparent.

Explanation:

Define complete dominance

In complete dominance, the dominant allele completely masks the phenotypic expression of the recessive allele in a heterozygote.

Define incomplete dominance

In incomplete dominance, neither allele is completely dominant over the other, resulting in a heterozygous phenotype that is an intermediate blend of the two homozygous phenotypes.

Evaluate the given options

• Option A is incorrect because it states that the recessive trait is masked in incomplete dominance.
• Option B is correct because it accurately describes complete dominance (recessive trait completely masked) and incomplete dominance (produces a blend of the two traits).
• Option C is incorrect because it states that in dominance both traits are apparent (which describes codominance).
• Option D is incorrect because it states that in incomplete dominance both traits are apparent (which describes codominance).

Answer:

• (A) In incomplete dominance, the recessive trait will be masked, but a dominant trait in an organism will display the recessive phenotype.
• (B) A recessive trait is completely masked by a dominant trait, but incomplete dominance produces a blend of the two traits. (Correct answer)
• (C) Incomplete dominance produces a blend of the two traits, but in dominance both traits are apparent.
• (D) A recessive trait is completely masked by a dominant trait, but in incomplete dominance both traits are apparent.