Differences between Polygenic Inheritance and Dihybrid Cross

Polygenic Inheritance:

Polygenic inheritance refers to the inheritance of traits that are controlled by multiple genes. It is also known as quantitative inheritance because it results in variation in traits that are measured on a continuum, such as height, skin color, and intelligence.

Dihybrid Cross:

Dihybrid cross refers to the inheritance of two different traits that are controlled by two genes. It is used to determine the probability of offspring inheriting specific combinations of alleles from each parent.

Differences:

1. Number of genes:
- Polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes whereas dihybrid cross involves two genes.

2. Variation in traits:
- Polygenic inheritance results in a range of variation for a trait, whereas dihybrid cross results in distinct phenotypic ratios.

3. Inheritance pattern:
- Polygenic inheritance follows a continuous inheritance pattern, whereas dihybrid cross follows a Mendelian inheritance pattern.

4. Probability of inheritance:
- In polygenic inheritance, the probability of inheritance is difficult to predict because multiple genes are involved, whereas in dihybrid cross, the probability of inheritance can be predicted using Punnett squares.

5. Examples:
- Examples of polygenic inheritance include height, skin color, and intelligence, whereas examples of dihybrid cross include seed shape and color in pea plants.

Conclusion:

In summary, polygenic inheritance and dihybrid cross are two different modes of inheritance. Polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes, results in variation in traits, follows a continuous inheritance pattern, and is difficult to predict. Dihybrid cross involves two genes, results in distinct phenotypic ratios, follows a Mendelian inheritance pattern, and can be predicted using Punnett squares.