Alien parent 1 is heterozygous (Aa) with 4 arms. Alien parent 2 is homozygous recessive (aa) with 2 arms.
Select the statement(s) which are accurate based on Mendel’s laws and the information provided.
The dominant trait is 2 arms.
50% of offspring will have 4 arms.
100% of offspring will have 2 arms.
2:4 of the offspring will have 2 arms.
4 arms is the dominant trait.
The correct statement based on Mendel’s laws and the information provided is:
“4 arms is the dominant trait.”
Explanation:
In this scenario, Alien parent 1 (Aa) is heterozygous, meaning they have one dominant allele (A) for the trait of having 4 arms, while Alien parent 2 (aa) is homozygous recessive, meaning all their alleles are for the trait of having 2 arms.
According to Mendelian genetics, the dominant trait will express itself if at least one dominant allele is present. Hence, the trait for 4 arms is dominant (A), and 2 arms is recessive (a).
If we look at the potential offspring:
– The possible genotypes from these parents would be: Aa (4 arms) and aa (2 arms).
– This leads to a phenotype ratio of 1:1, meaning 50% of the offspring can be expected to have 4 arms and 50% will have 2 arms.
So, the other statements are inaccurate:
– The statement “The dominant trait is 2 arms” is false because 4 arms are dominant.
– “100% of offspring will have 2 arms” is also false as there will be some with 4 arms.
– “2:4 of the offspring will have 2 arms” is misleading; correct is a 1:1 ratio.
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