A lethal allele usually shows a(n) ______ inheritance pattern.Multiple choice question.incompletely dominantcodominantoverdominantrecessivedominant

To answer the question regarding the inheritance pattern of a lethal allele, let’s analyze the options provided.

Breakdown of the Problem

1. Understand what a lethal allele is.
2. Assess each inheritance pattern (incompletely dominant, codominant, overdominant, recessive, dominant) in relation to lethal alleles.

Relevant Concepts

• Lethal alleles: These are alleles that can lead to the death of the organism when expressed in a homozygous state, leading to a certain pattern of inheritance.
• Dominant vs. Recessive: Dominant alleles express their trait even when one copy is present, while recessive alleles only express the trait when two copies are present.

Analysis and Detail

1. Incompletely Dominant: This involves a blending of traits, which is not characteristic of lethal alleles.
2. Codominant: Both alleles are fully expressed, which doesn't explain the lethality.
3. Overdominant: This is a situation where heterozygotes have a fitness advantage; again, not applicable for lethal alleles.
4. Recessive: Often, lethal alleles are recessive since only homozygous individuals (both alleles being the lethal one) may die.
5. Dominant: A lethal allele can also be dominant if the presence of just one copy is enough to cause lethality.

Verify and Summarize

In summary, lethal alleles can show different patterns of inheritance depending on whether they're recessive or dominant. However, the most common case is that they are recessive, where two copies lead to death.

Final Answer

A lethal allele usually shows a recessive inheritance pattern.