Difference Between Dominant and Recessive Traits
Expression in an Individual
Dominant traits are always expressed when the connected allele is dominant, even if only one copy exists
Recessive traits are expressed only if both the connected alleles are recessive. If one of the alleles is dominant, then the associated characteristic is less likely to manifest.
Representation in Literature
Dominant allele is denoted by a capital letter
Recessive allele is denoted by a small letter
Examples in Humans
Dominant Trait
V-shaped hairline
Almond-shaped eyes
Right handedness
Detached earlobes
Dark hair
Brown eyes
Recessive Trait
Straight hairline
Round eyes
Left handedness
Attached earlobes
Blond hair, red hair
Blue eyes (can also be a polygenetic trait)