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, understanding the genotype is crucial for predicting the phenotypic ratios of the progeny. The genotype can be homozygous (two identical alleles) or heterozygous (two different alleles), and it directly influences the observable traits in the offspring.
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Phenotype
Phenotype is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both its genotype and environmental factors. In this question, the phenotypic ratios of the progeny (brown, albino, yellow, black, and cream) provide insight into the genetic makeup of the parents. Analyzing these ratios helps in deducing the possible genotypes that could lead to such offspring.
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Punnett Square
A Punnett Square is a diagram used to predict the genetic outcomes of a cross between two organisms. It allows for the visualization of how alleles from each parent combine to form the genotypes of the offspring. By setting up a Punnett Square with the potential genotypes of the parents, one can calculate the expected phenotypic ratios, which is essential for solving the given problem.
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