College

A population of birds contains 16 animals with red tail feathers and 34 animals with blue tail feathers. Blue tail feathers are the dominant trait.

1. What is the frequency of the red allele?
2. What is the frequency of the blue allele?

[tex]
\[
\begin{array}{l}
16 \, \text{(red)} + 34 \, \text{(blue)} = 50 \\
\frac{34}{50} = 0.68 \\
1 - 0.68 = 0.32
\end{array}
\]
[/tex]

3. What is the frequency of heterozygotes?
4. What is the frequency of birds homozygous for the blue allele?

[tex]
\[
\text{Blue dominant, red recessive} \\
(0.68)(0.32) = 0.43
\]
[/tex]

Answer :

Sure! Let's solve the problem step by step using the given data.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Determine the total number of birds:
- Red tail feathers: 16
- Blue tail feathers: 34
- Total birds: [tex]\(16 + 34 = 50\)[/tex]

2. Calculate the frequency of the blue allele:
We're given that blue tail feathers are the dominant trait. Therefore, the blue tail feather (dominant allele) contributes to a larger proportion.
[tex]\[
\text{Frequency of blue allele} = \frac{\text{Number of blue tail birds}}{\text{Total number of birds}} = \frac{34}{50} = 0.68
\][/tex]

3. Calculate the frequency of the red allele:
Since there are only two alleles (blue and red), their frequencies must sum to 1.
[tex]\[
\text{Frequency of red allele} = 1 - \text{Frequency of blue allele} = 1 - 0.68 = 0.32
\][/tex]

4. Calculate the frequency of heterozygotes (2pq):
The term "heterozygote" refers to individuals with one copy of each allele (blue and red).
[tex]\[
\text{Frequency of heterozygotes} = 2pq = 2 \times \text{Frequency of blue allele} \times \text{Frequency of red allele} = 2 \times 0.68 \times 0.32 = 0.4352
\][/tex]

5. Calculate the frequency of birds homozygous for the blue allele (p²):
Homozygous blue means that both alleles are blue.
[tex]\[
\text{Frequency of homozygous blue} = p^2 = (\text{Frequency of blue allele})^2 = 0.68^2 = 0.4624
\][/tex]

### Summary:
- Frequency of the red allele: 0.32
- Frequency of the blue allele: 0.68
- Frequency of heterozygotes (2pq): 0.4352
- Frequency of birds homozygous for the blue allele (p²): 0.4624

I hope this helps you understand how to calculate allele frequencies and the frequencies of different genotypes in a population! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.