Question

which two selections correctly pair a term with an example?

a. gene: blue eyes
b. characteristic: eye color
c. genotype: multiple alleles
d. phenotype: brown eyes

Explanation:

Define basic genetic terms

To evaluate the pairs, we must define the core terms:

• A gene is a sequence of DNA that codes for a molecule that has a function (e.g., the gene for eye color). "Blue eyes" is a specific trait, not a gene.
• A characteristic (or character) is a heritable feature that varies among individuals, such as eye color.
• A genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism (e.g., \(Bb\) or \(bb\)). "Multiple alleles" is a pattern of inheritance, not a genotype.
• A phenotype is the observable physical properties of an organism, such as brown eyes.

Evaluate each option

Let's analyze each option based on these definitions:

• A. Gene: blue eyes: Incorrect. Blue eyes is a specific phenotype or trait, not a gene.
• B. Characteristic: eye color: Correct. Eye color is a heritable feature (characteristic) that varies.
• C. Genotype: multiple alleles: Incorrect. Multiple alleles refers to a gene having more than two allelic forms in a population, not an individual's genotype.
• D. Phenotype: brown eyes: Correct. Brown eyes is an observable physical trait (Phenotype).

Identify the correct pairs

The two selections that correctly pair a genetic term with its corresponding example are option B and option D.

Answer:

• A. Gene: blue eyes
• B. Characteristic: eye color (Correct answer)
• C. Genotype: multiple alleles
• D. Phenotype: brown eyes (Correct answer)