What forms of inheritance are known to skip generations?

The correct answer highlights the inheritance patterns of X-linked recessive and autosomal recessive traits, both of which can skip generations under certain circumstances.

In the case of autosomal recessive inheritance, two copies of the recessive allele are needed for an individual to express the trait. If both parents are carriers of the recessive allele and do not exhibit the trait themselves, there is a chance that their offspring might inherit the condition. Therefore, the trait can remain hidden in the gene pool and may manifest in a later generation when two carriers produce a child who inherits both copies of the recessive allele.

X-linked recessive inheritance operates similarly. Because males have only one X chromosome (XY), any recessive alleles on that chromosome will be expressed. Females, with two X chromosomes (XX), need two copies of the recessive allele to express the trait. This means a female may carry the recessive allele without showing symptoms. A male can inherit the X-linked recessive allele from his mother. Consequently, the trait can be passed from a carrier mother to a son, skipping the mother’s generation, particularly if she does not express the characteristic.

These two inheritance patterns explain how traits may not be evident in one generation but can resurface in