Question

Identify the phenotypes of each individual as dominant or recessive (list each individual, along with the correct term in the space below):

A) mother has long fur
B) dad has long fur
C) baby 1 has long fur
D) baby 2 has short fur

Answer 1

Phenotypic expressions include the mother, father, and baby 1 with long fur classified as dominant phenotypes, while baby 2 has the recessive phenotype of short fur.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phenotypes of each individual can be identified as either dominant or recessive based on their traits:

• (A) The mother has long fur, which we consider as the dominant phenotype because it is expressed in the presence of the corresponding allele.
• (B) The father has long fur, which is also classified as a dominant phenotype for the same reason.
• (C) Baby 1 has long fur, indicating the expression of the dominant phenotype.
• (D) Baby 2 has short fur, which is considered a recessive phenotype because it is expressed only when two recessive alleles are present.

In genetics, if an individual's phenotype reflects a certain trait, such as long fur, without knowing the specific genotype, it is commonly assumed to be caused by dominant alleles. Conversely, a trait like short fur that is expressed in the phenotype typically indicates the presence of two recessive alleles, as dominant alleles, if present, would mask the expression of recessive alleles.