To answer your question, we first need to analyze the genetic cross for absent-mindedness, which is described as a recessive trait. If we denote the dominant allele as "A" (non-absent-minded) and the recessive allele as "a" (absent-minded), the possible genetic combinations for the parents are needed.
If we assume that both parents are carriers of the recessive trait (genotype Aa), we can set up a Punnett square. The possible genotypes for their children would be:
- AA (non-absent-minded)
- Aa (non-absent-minded, but carriers of the trait)
- Aa (non-absent-minded, but carriers of the trait)
- aa (absent-minded)
The Punnett square would yield the following ratios:
- 1 AA (25%)
- 2 Aa (50%)
- 1 aa (25%)
From this, we can conclude that there is a 25% chance for each child to be absent-minded (aa).
If the Smiths have six children, we can calculate the expected number of absent-minded children using the probability:
- 25% of 6 children = 0.25 * 6 = 1.5
This suggests that, on average, the Smith family could expect about 1 to 2 absent-minded children.
Given the options you provided: A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. 3
The most reasonable answer based on the calculations is that 1 or 2 children could be absent-minded. Since the closest explicit answers are B (1) or C (2), either of those would be acceptable depending on how you want to interpret the expected outcome.
If you must choose one, you might choose B (1) as the best approximation for a conservative estimate. However, keep in mind that the exact number could vary.