GENETICS THE ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AUTOSOMAL TRAITS Traits

GENETICS & THE ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

AUTOSOMAL TRAITS Traits passed from parents to offspring regardless of gender SIMPLY INHERITED TRAITS POLYGENIC TRAITS • The outcome of a few genes located in one or two locations on the genome • The result of many different genes in the genome • Not affected by the environment • Examples- coat color, eye color, markings, skin color, temperament • Commonly affected by the environment • Examples- growth rate, ribeye area, back fat, width of loin • Hint- if an animal is not in a good environment (ie- lacking feed) it will not have a good growth rate no matter the genetics

WHICH ARE MORE IMPORTANT? SIMPLY INHERITED TRAITS • Can be important in certain situations. – Feather Color – Coat Color POLYGENIC TRAITS • Important in production agriculture • Determines productivity and profitability of an animal • Smallest input for the greatest output – Make more money, less impact on the environment

POLYGENIC TRAITS, WHAT DO YOU HAVE? • Every living thing has polygenic traits that are affected by the environment they live in. • Assignment: – On a piece of paper, write down two polygenic traits that YOU (think) have that are affected by your environment. – Turn it in to the teacher to receive the papers needed for the next activity.