Why do some traits skip generations?
Some traits skip generations because they are recessive and remain hidden when paired with a dominant allele.
Key Idea
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dominant | Expressed even with one allele |
| Recessive | Expressed only when both alleles are same |
| Carrier | Individual carrying recessive allele without showing it |
How Skipping Happens
| Generation | Genotype | Phenotype |
|---|---|---|
| Parent | Tt | Shows dominant trait |
| Child | Tt | Still dominant visible |
| Next Gen (tt) | tt | Recessive trait appears |
Stepwise Understanding
Recessive trait is present in parents but hidden (Tt)
It does not show because dominant allele masks it
Alleles separate during gamete formation
If child receives recessive allele from both parents (tt)
Trait becomes visible again
Important Concept
Recessive traits can remain unexpressed for generations until they come together in homozygous form.
Real Insight
This is why sometimes a child shows a trait that neither parent visibly shows, people get confused but genetically it makes sense.
So traits skip generations because they stay hidden and reappear when conditions are right.