Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Epistasis is a genetic phenomenon where the effect of one gene locus is masked or modified by the expression of one or more other gene loci.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Genetic interactions can be categorized into two main types:
1. Intragenic (or allelic) interactions: Interactions occurring between alleles of the same gene locus (e.g., dominance, co-dominance, incomplete dominance).
2. Intergenic (or non-allelic) interactions: Interactions occurring between genes located at different loci on the chromosomes.
Since epistasis involves a gene at one locus masking or modifying the phenotypic expression of another gene at a different locus, it is classified as an intergenic interaction.
Step 4: Final Answer
The correct option is (C).