1. Describing an allele that masks the expression of a different ("recessive) allele at the same locus. Thus the phenotype of the heterozygote resembles that of a plant homozygous for the two dominant alleles. The dominant allele is usually the normal and more common form in natural populations, i.e. the wild-type allele. Not all characteristics are governed by simple dominant/recessive relationships. See also codominance , incomplete dominance. 2. Describing the most abundant plant species in a community, e.g. in the UK Quercus robur (pedunculate oak) is dominant in most deciduous woodlands on nonacid clays and loams. 3. In forestry, a tree whose crown is more than half exposed to full illumination. |
