Multifactorial Inheritance

Multifactorial inheritance refers to the way many traits and conditions are influenced by a combination of multiple genes and environmental factors. Unlike single-gene disorders, which follow clear patterns of inheritance, multifactorial traits, such as height, intelligence, or susceptibility to certain diseases, arise from the interplay of various genetic factors and non-genetic influences. This means that while genetics play a significant role, lifestyle, diet, and external conditions also contribute to how these traits develop. As a result, these traits often show a range of variations within families rather than being inherited in a straightforward manner.