Question

1. a ffee mouse is bred to a ffee mouse. what is the probability that an offspring mouse will have black fur and red eyes?

1/2
1/4
3/16
1/16

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze allele - inheritance for fur color

Let's assume that the allele for black fur (F) is dominant over the allele for non - black fur (f). A Ff mouse can pass on either F or f allele. The cross for fur color is Ff x ff. The probability of getting a black - furred offspring (Ff) is 1/2.

Step2: Analyze allele - inheritance for eye color

Let's assume that the allele for red eyes (e) is recessive to the allele for non - red eyes (E). A ee mouse can only pass on e allele and a Ee mouse can pass on either E or e allele. The cross for eye color is ee x Ee. The probability of getting an offspring with red eyes (ee) is 1/2.

Step3: Use the product rule of probability

Since fur color and eye color inheritance are independent events, we use the product rule of probability. The probability of both events occurring is the product of their individual probabilities. So the probability of getting a black - furred and red - eyed offspring is $\frac{1}{2}\times\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1}{4}$.

Answer:

1/4