Incomplete dominance is when neither gene in a pair wins completely. Instead of one trait pushing others out of the way, you get a mix of both traits from the parents.

Let’s break it down:

Key Features of Incomplete Dominance:

1. Blended Traits:

   • The offspring show a mix of both parents' traits.
   • For example, if you have pure red flowers (RR) and pure white flowers (WW), the kids (RW) may turn out to be pink flowers.

2. Genotypic Ratios:

   • When looking at one gene with incomplete dominance, the ratio of the types of genes in the offspring is 1:2:1.
   • This means you'll see:
     • 1 RR (homozygous dominant)
     • 2 RW (heterozygous)
     • 1 WW (homozygous recessive)

3. Phenotypic Ratios:

   • The ratio of how the flowers or traits look (the phenotype) also ends up being 1:2:1.
   • So, you will see:
     • 1 red flower
     • 2 pink flowers
     • 1 white flower

Examples in Nature:

Here are some classic examples of incomplete dominance:

• Snapdragons: When you cross red snapdragons with white ones, you get pink snapdragons (RR x WW → RW).
• Andalusian Chickens: If you breed chickens with black feathers (BB) and those with white feathers (WW), the result will be chickens with blue feathers (BW).

Comparison to Other Inheritance Patterns:

• Dominant-Recessive Inheritance: Here, one trait completely hides the other.
• Codominance: In this case, both traits show up clearly, like in blood type AB, where both A and B traits are expressed.

Genetics Facts:

• Around 25% of genetic traits can show incomplete dominance in different species.
• In humans, incomplete dominance shows up in some skin conditions, where you can see a blend of traits.

Understanding incomplete dominance helps us see how genes can work in different and interesting ways beyond just the simple patterns we usually think about in genetics.