Understanding the diversity of living things stems from applying the principles of inheritance supported by Mendel’s research. Since Mendel, humans have continued to explore genetics and have figured out how to produce living organisms (plants, animals, bacteria, etc.) with a specific phenotype. Many times, this is accomplished through a selective breeding process called artificial selection. For example, humans may choose dogs with specific traits and encourage breeding. The result is a “designer” dog breed that may be hypoallergenic or exceptionally large (or small), or strong. This artificial selection of breeding has resulted in a diversity of dogs that may not have occurred naturally.
Using the information you have learned this week, you will apply the principles of inheritance through genetics to explain how offspring express traits that vary throughout generations.
Choose a single-gene trait to explore.
Demonstrate a cross between parents of different genotypes by creating a Punnett square.
Discuss the phenotypes and genotypes of the parents and offspring. How are they similar and/or different? What predictions can you make about future generations?
Be sure to include the role of alleles in determining dominant and recessive traits.
Explain how future generations display diversity as compared to the original parental cross.
Please reference your textbook for information. Course textbooks can be found on the Syllabus and Textbooks page of this course via the top navigation bar.
Phelan, J. (2021). What is life? A guide to biology with physiology (5th ed.). W.H. Freeman. ISBN: 9781319272531
