Genetics: Exploring Color Patterns in Dogs

What proportion of the offspring from this cross would have spotted black fur?

a) 25% b) 50% c) 75% d) 100%

Final Answer:

According to the laws of genetics, the cross between a heterozygous black, spotted dog and a red, spotted dog would result in 50% of the offspring having spotted black fur.

Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of canine genetics? Today, we will explore the inheritance of color patterns in dogs and discover the exciting outcomes of genetic crosses.

In some dogs, the color pattern is determined by two different sets of alleles. Black fur (B) is dominant to red fur (b), and the solid pattern (S) is dominant to the spotted pattern (s). When a spotted dog that is heterozygous for black fur (Bs) is crossed with a spotted red dog (bs), we can predict the proportions of the offspring with different color patterns.

The Punnett square, a powerful tool in genetics, helps us calculate the possible genotypes and phenotypes of the offspring. In this particular cross, the genotype ratio for the offspring is BB:S:s=1:1:2:2, which simplifies to B:S=s. This means that 50% of the offspring will have spotted black fur, a striking combination of dominant and recessive alleles.

By understanding the principles of genetic inheritance, we can appreciate the beauty and complexity of color patterns in dogs. Genetics truly opens up a world of discovery and wonder!