Question

Punnett squares allow us to predict the probability of different offspring based on the genotype of each parent. When genetic disease is involved, parents often want to know what the probability will be of any of their children having the disease. To determine this we use the "product rule" which states:


The probability of two independent events occurring is the product of their individual probabilities (e.g. the probability of a flipped coin landing heads and then tails is 0.5 x 0.5).


Use this rule to determine the probability of Bob and Mary having a red offspring and then a blue offspring (2 different offspring) and select the correct equation.

Hints
a.
0.5 x 0.5 = 0.25


b.
0.5 / 0.5 = 1


c.
0.5 + 0.5 = 1


d.
50 x 50 = 2500

Answer 1

To determine the probability of Bob and Mary having a red offspring and then a blue offspring, using the product rule, you multiply the individual probabilities of each event occurring.

Assuming each color has an equal probability of 0.5 (50%) for both red and blue, you can calculate it as follows:

Probability of having a red offspring = 0.5
Probability of having a blue offspring = 0.5

Using the product rule:

Probability of having a red offspring and then a blue offspring = 0.5 (red) x 0.5 (blue) = 0.25

Therefore, the correct equation from the options given is:

**a. 0.5 x 0.5 = 0.25**.