To determine how many black weasels would be expected in a population of 40 weasels resulting from a genetic cross involving co-dominant traits, we first need to identify the genotypes involved.
Assuming that:
- BB = Black weasel
- WW = White weasel
- BW = Black and white spotted weasel
From a cross between BB (black) and WW (white), the possible outcomes in a Punnett square would be:
- 100% BW (black and white spotted)
From a cross between two heterozygous weasels (BW x BW), the Punnett square would give us:
- BB (black)
- BW (spotted)
- BW (spotted)
- WW (white)
This results in a ratio:
- 1 BB : 2 BW : 1 WW
If we assume the total offspring are 40 weasels derived from a BW x BW cross, we can calculate the expected number of black weasels (BB).
From the ratio:
- Total parts = 1 (BB) + 2 (BW) + 1 (WW) = 4 parts
- Expected black weasels (BB) = 1/4 of total offspring = 40/4 = 10
Based on this calculation, if there are 40 baby weasels born as a result of the cross, the number of expected black weasels is 10.
So, the answer is C: 10.
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