subordinate traits

Noun

subordinate trait (plural subordinate traits)

1. A trait, at a lower level of biological organization, that acts together with other such traits to affect or determine characteristics at a higher level of biological organization.
   • Although S lines had higher VO_(2 max) than C, subordinate traits showed no statistical differences when the presence of the mini-muscle phenotype was controlled.August 2006, Enrico L. Rezende et al., Maximal oxygen consumption in relation to subordinate traits in lines of house mice selectively bred for high voluntary wheel running in Journal of Applied...