1. What is a Punnett Square?

The Punnett square is a diagram that is used to predict the genotype and phenotype combinations of offspring from parental alleles. It's a fundamental tool in genetics for determining the probability of inheriting specific traits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Mendelian genetics principles:

Where:

• BB — Homozygous dominant (two dominant alleles)
• Bb — Heterozygous (one dominant, one recessive allele)
• bb — Homozygous recessive (two recessive alleles)

Explanation: Each parent contributes one allele to their offspring. The combination determines the genotype and phenotype.

3. Understanding Genotypes and Phenotypes

Genotype: The genetic makeup (e.g., BB, Bb, bb)
Phenotype: The physical appearance (e.g., Black coat, Brown coat)

4. Using the Calculator

Steps:

1. Select Parent 1's genotype
2. Select Parent 2's genotype
3. Choose the color trait you're analyzing
4. Click Calculate to see offspring probabilities

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between dominant and recessive?
A: Dominant alleles (capital letters) mask recessive alleles (lowercase). Only need one dominant allele to show the dominant trait.

Q2: Can two black animals produce brown offspring?
A: Yes, if both are heterozygous (Bb). There's a 25% chance of bb (brown) offspring.

Q3: What if my animal's color isn't following simple Mendelian genetics?
A: Some traits involve multiple genes or incomplete dominance. This calculator handles simple single-gene traits.

Q4: How accurate are these predictions?
A: The probabilities are mathematically accurate for the given genotypes, but real-world outcomes may vary due to chance.

Q5: Can I use this for other animals besides dogs?
A: Yes, it works for any species with simple dominant/recessive color inheritance patterns.