High School

In chickens, black feathers are co-dominant with white feathers. Which cross would result in 50% offspring with black and white feathers?

A. BB x WW
B. BW x BW
C. BW x WW
D. WW x BB

Answer :

To find which cross would result in 50% black and white feathers in chickens, we need to examine the genetic makeup of the chickens involved. In this scenario, black (B) and white (W) feathers are co-dominant, meaning if both alleles are present, the chicken will exhibit both black and white feathers (BW).

Let's analyze each cross:

1. BB x WW:
- All offspring would have one B allele from the BB parent and one W allele from the WW parent.
- Result: 100% of the offspring will have black and white feathers (BW).

2. BW x BW:
- Possible offspring combinations: BB, BW, WB, and WW.
- Result:
- 25% BB (black feathers),
- 50% BW (black and white feathers),
- 25% WW (white feathers).
- This cross results in 50% of the offspring having black and white feathers.

3. BW x WW:
- Possible offspring combinations: BW, WW.
- Result:
- 50% BW (black and white feathers),
- 50% WW (white feathers).

4. WW x BB:
- Similar to BB x WW, where all offspring would be BW.
- Result: 100% of the offspring will have black and white feathers.

From the analysis above, the cross that results in 50% black and white feathers is BW x BW.