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Polygenic inheritance occurs when multiple genes determine the phenotype of a trait. Example: Eggshell color in chickens can be influenced by several genes, resulting in a range of colors.

The phenotype is the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. Example: The physical appearance of a horse, such as its coat color, is part of its phenotype.

Selective breeding is the process by which humans use animal breeding and plant breeding to selectively develop particular phenotypic traits by choosing which typically animal or plant males and females will sexually reproduce and have offspring together. Example: Selecting only the fastest horses for breeding in order to produce subsequent generations with superior racing abilities.

Genomic selection is a form of selection in breeding programs that uses genomic information to predict the breeding value of individuals. Example: Dairy cattle breeders use genomic selection to identify individuals with the best genes for milk production.

A dominant allele is an allele that expresses its phenotypic effect even when heterozygous with a recessive allele. Example: In chickens, the allele for dominant white color is expressed even when paired with an allele for another color.

Inbreeding involves mating closely related individuals to increase the chance of offspring inheriting similar genes from both parents. Example: Inbreeding in dogs can result in purebred lines, but may also increase the risk of genetic disorders.

An allele is one of two or more versions of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome. Example: In cows, there are alleles for different coat colors.

A recessive allele is an allele that only expresses its phenotypic effect when in a homozygous state. Example: The allele for blue eggshell color in chickens is recessive and only expressed when two copies are present.

A Punnett Square is a grid used to predict the genotypes of offspring in genetic crosses. Example: A Punnett Square can predict the probability of offspring hair colors when crossing a black-haired and a blonde-haired rabbit.

Epistasis is an interaction between genes where the effect of one gene is modified by one or several other genes. Example: In Labrador Retrievers, epistasis can affect coat color, with some genes overriding the effects of others.

A chromosome is a long DNA molecule with part or all of an organism's genetic material. Example: In horses, the Y chromosome carries genes that determine maleness.

A monogenic trait is a trait that is determined by a single gene. Example: The presence of horns in some breeds of sheep is a monogenic trait governed by one gene with two alleles.

Linkage refers to the tendency of genes located close together on the same chromosome to be inherited together. Example: In chickens, feather color and feather pattern may be linked and thus usually inherited together.

Pleiotropy occurs when one gene influences two or more seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. Example: In cats, the gene responsible for the Siamese coloration pattern also affects the structure of certain neural pathways.

An organism is heterozygous for a gene if it has two different alleles of that gene. Example: A goat might be heterozygous for hornedness, carrying one allele for horns and one for polled (hornless).

Mendelian inheritance is the pattern of inheritance that follows the laws formulated by Gregor Mendel. Example: In Mendelian inheritance, pea plants have predictable patterns of dominant and recessive trait inheritance.

The genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism, consisting of all the alleles it possesses. Example: A sheep's genotype determines whether it will have a woolly fleece.

An organism is homozygous for a gene if it has two identical alleles of that gene. Example: A pig that is homozygous for a particular allele will have two copies of the same allele for that gene.

A gene is a basic unit of heredity that occupies a specific location (locus) on a chromosome. Example: The gene for Polled (hornless) trait in cattle is passed on from parents to offspring.

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) are regions of DNA which are associated with particular phenotypic traits, which can be measured quantitatively. Example: QTL mapping in pigs can help identify regions of DNA associated with growth rate and lean muscle mass.

A quantitative trait is a measurable phenotype that depends on the cumulative actions of many genes and the environment. Example: Milk production in dairy cattle is a quantitative trait influenced by genetics and diet.

Heritability is the proportion of observed variation in a particular trait that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors in contrast to environmental ones. Example: In poultry, the heritability of egg size allows breeders to select for hens that produce larger eggs.

Hybrid vigor refers to the phenomenon where the offspring of two different varieties or species display greater biomass, speed of development, and fertility. Example: Mules, resulting from a cross between a male donkey and female horse, typically have greater stamina and workload capacity than their parents.

DNA sequencing is the process of determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule. Example: Sequencing the DNA from a dog can reveal its genetic predisposition to certain diseases.

A haplotype is a group of genes within an organism that was inherited together from a single parent. Example: The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) haplotypes in chickens affect their resistance to certain diseases.

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variation in genetic traits. Example: A mutation in sheep can give rise to a new wool color not seen in the parents.

Zygosity refers to the similarity or difference of alleles for a trait that an organism possesses. Example: A 'purebred' animal is homozygous for many traits, having identical alleles for those genetic loci.

Crossbreeding is the process of mating individuals from different breeds to produce offspring with traits from both parents. Example: Breeding a Hereford with an Angus cow creates a Black Baldy, possessing traits from both cattle breeds.