Question
In piranha, fish with large teeth represent the dominant trait. Because the dominant trait masks the recessive trait, in a population of 1,000 piranhas, all with large teeth, we could expect about ________of the next generation of fish to have small teeth.
Responses
A 0%0%
B 25%25%
C 50%50%
D 100%
Responses
A 0%0%
B 25%25%
C 50%50%
D 100%
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In a population of 1,000 piranhas with large teeth, we cannot directly determine the exact proportion of offspring with small teeth without knowing the genotype of the parent fish. However, if we assume that all piranhas have the dominant phenotype (large teeth), they could either be homozygous dominant (LL) or heterozygous (Ll) since the recessive phenotype (small teeth - ll) is not expressed.
If all the piranhas are homozygous dominant (LL), then none of the next generation would have small teeth (0%). However, if some of them are heterozygous (Ll), then there would be a possibility of small teeth (ll) appearing in the next generation, specifically 25% if the parents are heterozygous.
Since we don't have information about whether the fish are homozygous or heterozygous, the most cautious answer is that small teeth could appear if any of the fish are heterozygous. The expected percentage of small teeth would depend on which genotypes are present in the parent generation.
As a result, based on the answer choices and the maximal potential for small teeth if some are heterozygous, the best option would be:
**B 25%**
This accounts for the possibility that if some of the fish are heterozygous, about 25% of the next generation could have small teeth. If all were homozygous, then the answer would be 0%. However, without knowing their genotypes, we rely on the dominant and recessive ratios.
If all the piranhas are homozygous dominant (LL), then none of the next generation would have small teeth (0%). However, if some of them are heterozygous (Ll), then there would be a possibility of small teeth (ll) appearing in the next generation, specifically 25% if the parents are heterozygous.
Since we don't have information about whether the fish are homozygous or heterozygous, the most cautious answer is that small teeth could appear if any of the fish are heterozygous. The expected percentage of small teeth would depend on which genotypes are present in the parent generation.
As a result, based on the answer choices and the maximal potential for small teeth if some are heterozygous, the best option would be:
**B 25%**
This accounts for the possibility that if some of the fish are heterozygous, about 25% of the next generation could have small teeth. If all were homozygous, then the answer would be 0%. However, without knowing their genotypes, we rely on the dominant and recessive ratios.