Which of the following best describes polygenic traits?

Polygenic traits are best described as being determined by multiple genes. This means that rather than being controlled by a single gene, these traits arise from the combined effects of several different genes, each contributing a small amount to the overall phenotype. This polygenic inheritance can lead to a continuous range of phenotypic expressions, such as height or skin color, rather than distinct categories.

Traits that show clear-cut phenotypic categories are usually influenced by single genes, which can lead to simple dominant-recessive patterns. The idea of traits being passed from one generation to the next without variation overlooks the fact that genetic recombination and mutations can introduce variability. Lastly, while certain traits may be influenced more heavily by genetics, polygenic traits can still be subject to environmental influences, which can affect their expression. Hence, the description of polygenic traits accurately emphasizes the complexity and multiple genetic influences on these characteristics.