Question

le for short horns (s) is dominant over the allele for long horns (s).
cows are bred and produce four offspring. three have short horns
horns.
t likely genotypes of the parents?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze each option

• Option 1 (ss and ss):

If both parents are \(ss\), all offspring will be \(ss\) (long - horned). Since there are short - horned offspring, this option is incorrect.

• Option 2 (SS and Ss):

If one parent is \(SS\) and the other is \(Ss\), the offspring genotypes will be \(SS\) or \(Ss\). All offspring will have short horns. But there is a long - horned offspring, so this option is incorrect.

• Option 3 (Ss and Ss):

When \(Ss\times Ss\), using the Punnett square:

Gametes of Parent 1	Gametes of Parent 2
\(S\)	\(SS\) (short)	\(Ss\) (short)
\(s\)	\(Ss\) (short)	\(ss\) (long)

The probability of \(SS:Ss:ss = 1:2:1\). So, it is possible to have 3 short - horned (\(SS\) or \(Ss\)) and 1 long - horned (\(ss\)) offspring.

• Option 4 (SS and ss):

If one parent is \(SS\) and the other is \(ss\), all offspring will be \(Ss\) (short - horned). Since there is a long - horned offspring, this option is incorrect.

Answer:

Ss and Ss