Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of polygenic traits?

Polygenic traits are characterized by their complexity and the influence of multiple genes, which contributes to the range of phenotypic outcomes observed in a population. A key feature of polygenic traits is that they exhibit continuous variation, meaning that these traits do not fall into distinct categories but instead show a spectrum of phenotypes.

In contrast to polygenic traits, traits strongly influenced by a single gene tend to show discrete forms, such as having either a dominant or recessive phenotype. Therefore, stating that polygenic traits do not show continuous variation is incorrect, as one of their defining characteristics is exactly that continuous range of phenotypes.

Polygenic traits are also influenced by environmental factors, underscoring the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental context. These traits are controlled by multiple genes, contributing to their complexity and quantitative nature, which allows for a measurable range in traits across individuals.