Which genetic concept refers to the inheritance of characteristics determined by multiple genes?

Polygenic inheritance is the genetic concept that describes the inheritance of traits controlled by multiple genes, often located on different chromosomes. These traits do not follow the traditional Mendelian inheritance patterns but rather show a continuous range of phenotypes in a population. Common examples of polygenic traits include human height, skin color, and intelligence, all influenced by the additive effects of multiple genes as well as environmental factors.

In contrast, monogenic inheritance refers to traits that are controlled by a single gene, resulting in clear-cut phenotypic differences, like the inheritance of flower color in certain plants. Chromosomal inheritance relates to the patterns of inheritance that are determined by the behavior of chromosomes during cell division. Mendelian inheritance entails the principles of segregation and independent assortment established by Gregor Mendel, which particularly apply to traits governed by a single gene. Hence, polygenic inheritance is specifically distinguished by multiple genes contributing to a single trait.