What type of inheritance is determined by the interaction of several genes acting together?

Polygenic inheritance refers to a trait that is influenced by multiple genes, often located on different chromosomes. In polygenic traits, the interaction of these genes results in a continuous range of phenotypes, rather than distinct categories. This type of inheritance explains traits such as height, skin color, and intelligence, where multiple alleles contribute to the final expression of the trait.

In the case of polygenic inheritance, the cumulative effect of several genes can lead to variations in physical characteristics. Each gene involved may have a small additive effect, which collectively contributes to a more complex expression. This is why traits under polygenic inheritance can show a wide range of variation, as opposed to traits governed by a single gene, which typically show clear-cut differences.

The correct identification of polygenic inheritance showcases an understanding of how complex traits are inherited, emphasizing the interplay of multiple genetic factors rather than a straightforward single-gene influence.