dominant

adjective

(L. dominus: master) In genetics, describes the allele that is expressed in the phenotype when two different alleles of a gene are present in the cells of an organism. For example, the height of garden peas is controlled by two alleles, 'tall' (T) and 'dwarf' (t). When both are present (Tt), i.e. when the cell is heterozygous, the plant is tall since T is dominant and t is recessive. See also incomplete dominance. In ecology, describes the most conspicuously abundant and characterisit species in a community. The term is usually used of a plant species in plant ecology; for example, pine trees in a pine forest. In social interactions among animals, a hierarchy may exist within a group wherein one animal or subgroup of animals is 'dominant'. Dominant individuals hold a higher position in the group and may take priority in feeding, breeding, etc.