Explain how the environment can influence the expression of
genetic traits.
genetic traits.
Some examples of trait expression caused by the environment are shown above:
- Kanye West is an example of an African-American. Because of Africa's location, the people have adapted to the sun by the difference in their pigmentation. The dark skin color is a result of sunlight exposure.
- The lady in the middle has blonde highlights. Although these can be brought on using dye among other things, these are sometimes natural and become prominent after extended exposure to sunlight. This is why many people have lighter hair in the summer months.
- It has also been proven that during incubation of crocodile eggs, the temperature at which they are incubated affects the sex of the offspring.
- Recent studies have also shown that environmental factors and genotype can work together to determine an organism's phenotype.