How are the principles of probability used to solve a Punnett square?

Answer 1

The principles of probability are applied in a Punnett square to predict the likelihood of offspring inheriting specific traits from their parents. Each box in the Punnett square represents a possible genotype combination from the alleles contributed by each parent. By calculating the ratio of the different genotype or phenotype combinations, one can determine the probability of an offspring expressing a particular trait. This method effectively illustrates how genetic variation occurs in a systematic way based on Mendelian inheritance patterns.