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Lesson 31 of 84 · Heredity
ExperimentPunnett Squares: Predicting Traits (Part 2)
What You'll Learn
Punnett squares are tools for predicting the probability of offspring inheriting particular traits. They show all possible combinations of alleles from two parents.
Key Words
- recessive
- mutation
- natural selection
Materials Needed
- paper
- colored pencils
- coins (for Punnett squares)
- tape
- index cards
Safety First
- Do not look directly at the sun or bright lights.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping.
- Use materials only as directed in the experiment.
Steps
Step 1 — Read
Look at the vocabulary words and write a definition for each in your own words.
Step 2 — Do
Survey your class for a genetic trait (attached vs. free earlobes, tongue rolling, hitchhiker's thumb). Create a bar graph of the results.
Step 3 — Observe
Draw a detailed diagram of what you observe.
Step 4 — Record
Write a conclusion: what did your results show? Did they match your prediction?
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 3What is a Punnett square used for?