Which of the following terms refers specifically to traits controlled by genes on sex chromosomes?

The term that refers specifically to traits controlled by genes on sex chromosomes is "sex-linked traits." This concept is crucial in genetics as it explains how certain characteristics, such as color blindness or hemophilia, can be inherited through the X or Y chromosomes.

In species with two distinct sex chromosomes, typically observed in mammals like humans, certain genes located on these chromosomes can manifest differently depending on the sex of the individual due to their location. For instance, because males have one X and one Y chromosome, they might express a recessive trait linked to the X chromosome if they inherit it, whereas females, with two X chromosomes, would require two copies of the recessive alleles to express the same trait.

Understanding sex-linked traits is fundamental for interpreting patterns of inheritance in both human and animal genetics, and it highlights the importance of the sex chromosomes in sexual dimorphism and the expression of certain genetic disorders.