How do you know what is a dominant trait and what trait is recessive?

Answer by  tell (17)

Recessive traits are rare and are not commonly occurring among most people. To receive a recessive trait both sets of genes must share the trait. Dominant traits are common.

Answer by  Arin (247)

The only way to tell a recessive trait without a DNA analysis, and sometimes not even then, is to see what happens when people have babies. Recessive traits normally have around a 1/4 chance of cropping up.... if both parents have the trait. If one doesn't the chance is 0/4.

Answer by  Chemist47 (189)

The way to distinguish dominant from recessive traits is through their mixing; by breeding an organism we can probe its genetic structure by determining the genotype and phenotype of parent and offspring. If we mate different phenotypes we can probe the underlying genotype of the organisms to make more educated breeding choices

Answer by  MzVickie (186)

Dominate traits show outward expression whether fully or partically expressed. Recessive traits are usually seen only when in full expression. If dominate and recessive traits are mixed, the dominate traits shows outward expression. The recessive traits are there but are not seen. You can do experiments to discover which dominate or recess.