Final answer:
The probability of two random individuals having the same allele pattern in CoDIS data is estimated by sequentially multiplying the normative observed frequencies at each locus. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with CoDIS data and trying to estimate the probability that two random individuals might have the same allele pattern, one uses the principles of population genetics. Calculating this probability involves using the available allele frequencies for each locus and applying a mathematical model. For each locus, the probability of two individuals sharing the same allele is the square of the allele's frequency if the allele is homozygous or twice the product of the frequencies if the alleles are heterozygous.
The correct method to estimate this probability is sequentially multiplying the normative observed frequencies at each locus. Essentially, if the frequency of allele A (p) and allele a (q) are known, the probability that two individuals have the same genotype can be calculated using the formulae: p^2 for homozygous dominant (AA), 2pq for heterozygous (Aa), q^2 for homozygous recessive (aa), with the sum of all possible genotype frequencies being 1 (p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1).
In summary, the formula to estimate the probability of a genotype match for multiple loci is achieved by sequentially multiplying the genotype probabilities across all loci. Therefore, the correct option for estimating the probability that two random individuals might have the same allele pattern at each site is:
c. sequentially multiply the normative observed frequencies at each locus.