Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

blending-inheritance

Noun

/ˈblɛndɪŋ ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns/

Definition

A historical biological theory that suggests offspring are a smooth blend of their parents’ traits.

Examples

The concept of blending-inheritance was popular before the discovery of Mendelian genetics.
In a blending-inheritance model, a blue flower and a yellow flower could produce green flowers in their offspring.
Scientists have since discredited the theory of blending inheritance with the advent of modern genetics.

Meaning

Blending inheritance posits that traits from two parents mix, resulting in offspring that display a combination of these traits rather than distinct characteristics from each parent.