Step 10
Living around the equator, something Beirt is planning on doing, is something one more easily does when owning a smaller body: The larger surface to volume ratio makes it easier to cool down.
Zokkies that stay smaller, a trait coded for by allele k, have a higher chance of staying healthy in warmer climates due to this smaller mass; having a larger mass is not lethal but does require some additional attention during the summer season.
The desired smaller mass does come with one problem: In winter seasons, a healthy and relatively large liver must be capable of fast respiration to compensate for heat loss. The larger liver is coded for by allele D, a dominant allele. If Zokkies phenotypically show the smaller mass without compensating with a larger liver there is a large risk of them not making it through the cold season when they are young.
This schematic karyogram shows the situations in Duine, Beirt and Triur:
Zokkies that stay smaller, a trait coded for by allele k, have a higher chance of staying healthy in warmer climates due to this smaller mass; having a larger mass is not lethal but does require some additional attention during the summer season.
The desired smaller mass does come with one problem: In winter seasons, a healthy and relatively large liver must be capable of fast respiration to compensate for heat loss. The larger liver is coded for by allele D, a dominant allele. If Zokkies phenotypically show the smaller mass without compensating with a larger liver there is a large risk of them not making it through the cold season when they are young.
This schematic karyogram shows the situations in Duine, Beirt and Triur:
What is the chance of getting children with the lethal condition presenting phenotypically when Beirt partners with Duine? What are the chances when she chooses for Triur? And what are the chances she will get well-suited offspring with both partners?
Make sure to use the correct notation for this cross..
Make sure to use the correct notation for this cross..