What is the genetic basis for traits such as skin color and height in humans?

The correct answer reflects the concept of polygenic traits, which are influenced by multiple genes, each contributing a small amount to the overall phenotype. Traits such as skin color and height in humans are not determined by a single gene; rather, they are controlled by the cumulative effects of several genes.

For skin color, multiple genes interact to produce a range of pigmentation, resulting in the diverse skin tones observed in human populations. Similarly, height is influenced by many genes that together determine an individual's final stature. This polygenic inheritance leads to continuous variation rather than discrete categories, which is characteristic of traits that can exhibit a wide range of phenotypes.

Understanding that traits like skin color and height are polygenic helps to clarify the complexities of inheritance and the variability seen in these traits across populations.