Name the type of inheritance where one gene affects several traits.

The type of inheritance where one gene affects several traits is known as pleiotropy. This phenomenon occurs when a single gene influences multiple phenotypic traits that may seem unrelated. For instance, a mutation in a single gene can result in various effects on an organism's body, such as affecting both the color of its coat and its size or shape.

Pleiotropy is a fundamental concept in genetics, illustrating how genes can have diverse impacts on an organism. An example of pleiotropy in humans is the gene responsible for Marfan syndrome, which influences multiple systems in the body, such as the skeletal system, cardiovascular system, and eyes, leading to a range of morphological and health-related traits.

Understanding pleiotropy is crucial when studying genetic disorders and their broader implications on phenotype, as it highlights the interconnectedness of genetic traits and how one genetic change can lead to a variety of observable effects.