oligogenic character

biology

Also known as: discontinuous character, qualitative character(Show More)

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July 1, 2026

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In biology, an oligogenic character refers to a trait controlled by a small number of genes. This contrasts with polygenic characters, which are influenced by many genes. Oligogenic characters exhibit discontinuous variation, meaning they fall into distinct categories, such as blood type (A, B, AB, or O). These traits are also known as qualitative characters. The expression of these inherited characters can be modified by environmental conditions.1

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plant breeding
Qualitative characters
The easiest characters, or traits, to deal with are those involving discontinuous, or qualitative, differences that are governed by one or a few major genes. Many such inherited differences exist, and they frequently have profound effects on plant value and utilization. Examples are…
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The easiest characters, or traits, to deal with are those involving discontinuous, or qualitative, differences that are governed by one or a few major genes. Many such inherited differences exist, and they frequently have profound effects on plant value and utilization. Examples are…
Read More

character
…genes is known as an oligogenic, or qualitative, character; oligogenic characters demonstrate discontinuous variation (in which traits are discrete; e.g., blood type is either AB, A, B, or O). A character controlled by many genes is known as polygenic, or quantitative; such characters demonstrate continuous variation (e.g., weight or height,…
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…genes is known as an oligogenic, or qualitative, character; oligogenic characters demonstrate discontinuous variation (in which traits are discrete; e.g., blood type is either AB, A, B, or O). A character controlled by many genes is known as polygenic, or quantitative; such characters demonstrate continuous variation (e.g., weight or height,…
Read More