JAMB - Biology (2007 - No. 32)

An example of a sex linked trait is the
ability to grow long hair in females
colour of the skin in humans
ability to roll the tongue
possession of facial hair in adult humans

Explanation

The correct answer is D. Possession of facial hair in adult humans.

Sex-linked traits are characteristics influenced by genes located on the sex chromosomes (X and Y). Facial hair in humans is a sex-linked trait because:

- The gene controlling facial hair growth is located on the X chromosome.

- Males, with their XY chromosomes, are more likely to inherit the dominant allele for facial hair growth.

- Females, with their XX chromosomes, would need to inherit two copies of the dominant allele (one from each X chromosome) to express facial hair growth.

The other options are not sex-linked traits:

A. Ability to grow long hair in females is influenced by multiple genes, but it's not sex-linked.

B. Colour of the skin in humans is influenced by multiple genes and is not sex-linked.

C. Ability to roll the tongue is an autosomal dominant trait, meaning it's not linked to the sex chromosomes.

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