What type of inheritance is shown by a trait that is controlled by multiple genes?

The correct answer is polygenic inheritance because it refers to traits that are governed by multiple genes, each contributing to the overall phenotype in a cumulative manner. This type of inheritance results in a continuous range of phenotypes, as opposed to discrete categories typically seen in traits controlled by a single gene. Examples of polygenic traits include human height, skin color, and eye color, where the interactions among several genes yield a variety of physical characteristics.

Monogenic inheritance pertains to traits determined by a single gene, leading to distinct and clear-cut phenotypes, making it unsuitable for traits that involve multiple genes. Epigenetic inheritance involves changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence, which does not directly concern the control of traits by multiple genes. Co-dominance describes a situation in which both alleles contribute to the phenotype in a heterozygote but is also focused on individual gene interactions rather than the cumulative effect of multiple genes. Therefore, polygenic inheritance is the most appropriate description for traits influenced by multiple genes.