Chapter 14, Problem 10GP

Fur color in rabbits is determined by a single gene, for which there are four alleles. Four phenotypes are possible: black, Chinchilla (gray color caused by white hairs with black tips), Himalayan (white with black patches on extremities), and white. The black allele (C) is dominant over all other alleles, the Chinchilla allele (C^ch) is dominant over Himalayan (C^h), and the white allele (c) is recessive to all others.

1. a. A black rabbit is crossed with a Himalayan, and the F₁, consists of a ratio of 2 black to 2 Chinchilla. Explain what you can and cannot determine about the genotypes of the parents.
2. b. A second cross was done between a black rabbit and a Chinchilla. The F₁ contained a ratio of 2 black to 1 Chinchilla to 1 Himalayan. Explain what you can and cannot determine about the genotypes of the parents.