Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
dominant trait
noun
/ˈdɒm.ɪ.nənt treɪt/
Definition
A dominant trait is a characteristic that is expressed in an organism even when only one copy of the gene responsible for that trait is present.
Examples
- Brown eyes in humans are often a dominant trait over blue eyes.
- The ability to roll one’s tongue is a dominant trait.
Meaning
In genetics, a dominant trait overshadows recessive traits, meaning that if an individual has at least one allele for the dominant trait, it will be shown in their phenotype.
Synonyms
- expressed characteristic
- predominant trait
