Genetics: Black Fur Dominance in Cats
What outcome should you expect to observe in the offspring of a true-breeding cat with black fur crossed with a true-breeding cat with brown fur?
OA. An F1 generation that includes cats with black fur and cats with brown fur
OB. An F2 generation that includes only cats with black fur
OC. An F2 generation that includes cats with black fur and cats with brown fur
D. An F1 generation that includes only cats with brown fur
Answer:
In the F1 generation, all offspring will have black fur. In the F2 generation, some offspring may have brown fur.
When a true-breeding cat with black fur is crossed with a true-breeding cat with brown fur, black fur is dominant over brown fur. This means that all of the offspring in the F1 generation will have black fur, as the gene for black fur is expressed even if an individual carries the gene for brown fur.
However, in the F2 generation, there is a possibility that some offspring will have brown fur. This is because the gene for brown fur is recessive, requiring two copies of the gene to be expressed. When two black-furred cats from the F1 generation are crossed, there is a chance for the brown fur gene to be inherited and expressed in some of the offspring.
Therefore, the correct answer is option OC. An F2 generation that includes cats with black fur and cats with brown fur.
Understanding the principles of genetics and inheritance can help predict the possible outcomes of offspring in breeding scenarios. Studying genetics further can provide insights into the characteristics and traits passed down from parents to offspring.