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Multiple Choice
In the context of a chicken with a white feather phenotype, what is the possible genotype if white feathers are a recessive trait?
A
ww
B
Ww or WW
C
Ww
D
WW
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of dominant and recessive traits. In genetics, a recessive trait is expressed only when two recessive alleles are present. A dominant trait is expressed when at least one dominant allele is present.
Identify the phenotype in question. Here, the phenotype is white feathers, which is stated to be a recessive trait.
Determine the genotype that corresponds to the recessive phenotype. Since white feathers are recessive, the genotype must consist of two recessive alleles.
Use the notation for alleles. Typically, a recessive allele is represented by a lowercase letter, and a dominant allele by an uppercase letter. In this case, 'w' represents the recessive allele for white feathers.
Conclude that the genotype for a chicken with white feathers, given that white is recessive, must be 'ww', meaning it has two recessive alleles.