13 Examples of Recessive Traits

A recessive trait is a trait that is only expressed in an individual if they inherit two copies of the gene for that trait, one from each parent.

Learn Examples of Dominant Traits

Examples of Recessive Traits

Here are some examples of Recessive traits:

1.    Blue Eyes

The trait for blue eyes is recessive to the trait for brown eyes. Individuals must inherit two recessive alleles for blue eyes to exhibit this characteristic.

2.    Straight Hair

The trait for straight hair is recessive to the trait for curly hair. Individuals must inherit two recessive alleles for straight hair to possess this feature.

3.    Attached Earlobes

The trait for attached earlobes, where the earlobe is firmly attached to the side of the head, is dominant. Recessive alleles lead to free-hanging earlobes.

4.    Lack of Dimples

The absence of dimples on the cheeks when smiling is a recessive trait. Individuals must inherit two recessive alleles for no dimples to exhibit this characteristic.

5.    Widow’s Peak Hairline

The presence of a widow’s peak, a pointed hairline in the center of the forehead, is dominant. Recessive alleles result in a straight hairline.

6.    Unable to Roll Tongue

The inability to roll the tongue into a tube shape is a recessive trait. Individuals must inherit two recessive alleles for non-tongue rolling to possess this feature.

7.    Straight Thumb

A straight thumb, without the ability to bend it backward, is a recessive trait. Individuals must inherit two recessive alleles for a straight thumb to exhibit this characteristic.

8.    Taste Insensitive

The inability to taste certain bitter compounds, like the one found in the chemical PTC, is a recessive trait. Individuals must inherit two recessive alleles for taste insensitivity to experience this taste.

9.    Left-Handedness

Left-handedness is often considered a recessive trait, although the genetics of handedness are more complex and not solely determined by a single gene.

10. Male Pattern Baldness

The trait for male pattern baldness is influenced by multiple genetic factors, including some recessive alleles. It results in the gradual loss of hair on the scalp in a specific pattern.

11. Webbed Fingers

The presence of webbed fingers, where the skin between the fingers is partially fused, is a recessive trait. Individuals must inherit two recessive alleles for webbed fingers to exhibit this feature.

12. More Than 10 Fingers

The trait for having more than the typical number of fingers is influenced by various genetic factors. In some cases, extra fingers can be associated with recessive alleles.

13. Tone Deafness (Complex)

Tone deafness, or the inability to distinguish musical pitches, is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. While some genetic components may be recessive, this trait is not solely determined by a single gene.