How do multiple allels and polygenictraits differ? - Answers

Multiple alleles refer to the presence of more than two alternative forms of a gene within a population, allowing for a variety of genetic combinations, as seen in blood types. Polygenic traits, on the other hand, are controlled by multiple genes, each contributing to the phenotype, resulting in a continuous range of traits, such as height or skin color. Essentially, multiple alleles focus on variations of a single gene, while polygenic traits involve the cumulative effect of several genes.