Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Genotype
Genotype refers to the genetic constitution of an organism, specifically the alleles it possesses for a particular trait. In this context, it is essential to determine the specific alleles of the parent organisms that lead to the observed phenotypic ratios in the progeny. Understanding how dominant and recessive alleles interact is crucial for predicting the genotypes of the parents.
Recommended video:
Phenotype
Phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both its genotype and environmental influences. In this question, the phenotypic ratios of the progeny (brown, black, and albino) provide insight into the traits expressed by the parents. Analyzing these ratios helps in deducing the possible combinations of alleles that could result in the given offspring.
Recommended video:
Punnett Square
A Punnett Square is a diagram used to predict the genotypes of offspring from a cross between two parents. It visually represents the possible combinations of alleles from each parent, allowing for the calculation of expected phenotypic ratios. In this scenario, constructing a Punnett Square based on the identified genotypes will help confirm the ratios of brown, black, and albino progeny.
Recommended video: