Difference Between Inheritance and Polymorphism

Inheritance vs Polymorphism

In biology, polymorphism happens when two or more evidently different phenotypes (or traits) exist in the same population of species or the development of forms or morphs. To illustrate this, a morph should occupy the same habit at the same time and must undergo random mating. Polymorphism may or may not be directly related to different concepts such as inheritance, biodiversity, and adaptation.

Polymorphism is a product of evolution. It is heritable and is adapted through natural selection. It involves morphs of a particular phenotype. It is also used by molecular biologists to ascertain point mutations in the genotype.

In the taxonomic nomenclature of zoology, the term “morpha” plus a Latin name for the morph can be added to a binomial or trinomial name. On the other hand, the concept of morphs in botanical taxonomy is characterized by the terms “variety, subvariety,” and “form.”

Polymorphism can be much associated with human life. Conditions where it can manifest include:

Human blood groups, such as the ABO system, are a genetic polymorphism.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) which is a human polymorphism.

Cystic Fibrosis, which is a congenital defect that affects about 1 in 2,000 children, is brought about by a mutant form of the CF transmembrane regulator gene, CFTR.

Lactose tolerance/intolerance, which determines the ability to metabolize lactose, is a known dimorphism that has been associated to recent human evolution.

On the other hand, inheritance is the process wherein properties from a parent are passed on to her child even though those properties have not been clearly defined by other means. Several properties are inherited automatically, and as the name suggests, a child element will obtain the characteristics of its parent with regards to these properties.

Inheritance can be closely related or associated to fields such as heredity and genetics. In heredity, a trait is passed on from a parent to its offspring. Through heredity, variations characterized by individuals can accumulate and may cause evolution.

Summary:

1. Polymorphism happens when two or more evidently different phenotypes (or traits) exist in the same population of species, or the development of forms or morphs, while inheritance is the process wherein properties from a parent are passed on to her child even though those properties have not been clearly defined by other means.

2. Polymorphism may or may not be directly related to different concepts, such as inheritance, biodiversity, and adaptation while inheritance can be closely related or associated to fields such as heredity and genetics.

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