Biology/Genetics, Widows Peak
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Question
Is it possible for two parents with definite continuous hairline to have a child with a widow's peak? Out of six children, 10 blood aunts/uncles, four grandparents, eight great-grandparents and (of course) my parents, I am the only child possessing a widow's peak...
Dear Liz,
The allele coding for "Widow's Peak" is considered dominant to the one coding for a straight hairline. So it's not very likely that two parents with straight hairlines would produce a child with a Widow's Peak.
It's not impossible, though. Because this trait is controlled by a single gene locus, there is always the possibility of a reversion mutation that would restore the dominant condition. All you'd need is one copy of the reverse-mutated gene from either parent, and you'd have a Widow's Peak.
Rare, but not impossible.
Hope that helps.
Dana
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Answers by Expert:
Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!
Experience
At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).
Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980).
I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.
Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.
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