In incomplete dominance, the heterozygote shows an intermediate (blended) phenotype between the two homozygous forms, rather than looking like either parent.

Quick Scoop

What happens to the heterozygote phenotype?

When traits follow an incomplete dominance pattern:

  • The heterozygote does not show a clearly dominant or recessive trait.
  • Instead, its phenotype is in-between the two homozygous phenotypes (a “blend” or intermediate form).
  • Neither allele fully masks the other, so both contribute partially to the appearance.

A classic example:

  • Red-flowered plant (homozygous) × white-flowered plant (homozygous) → all heterozygous offspring with pink flowers.
  • Pink is intermediate between red and white, not a patchwork of both, which is why this is incomplete dominance, not codominance.

Mini breakdown

  • Homozygous 1: one extreme phenotype (e.g., red).
  • Homozygous 2: opposite extreme phenotype (e.g., white).
  • Heterozygote: intermediate phenotype (e.g., pink).

So, the short answer to your question:

When traits are inherited in an incomplete dominance pattern, heterozygotes have a phenotype that is intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes, producing a blended or partial expression of both.

TL;DR:
In incomplete dominance, heterozygotes don’t look like either parent; they show a new, intermediate phenotype between the two.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.