To determine the phenotype ratio for the given cross between the two cat parents, we will analyze the Punnett square.
Here is the provided Punnett square:
[tex]\[
\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|}
\hline & $T$ & $t$ \\
\hline$T$ & $TT$ & $Tt$ \\
\hline$t$ & $Tt$ & $tt$ \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\][/tex]
### Step-by-Step Analysis:
1. Identify the Genotypes Produced:
- The genotypes from the Punnett square are:
- [tex]$TT$[/tex]
- [tex]$Tt$[/tex]
- [tex]$Tt$[/tex]
- [tex]$tt$[/tex]
2. Determine the Corresponding Phenotypes:
- [tex]$TT$[/tex]: This genotype has two dominant alleles [tex]$(T)$[/tex], resulting in a short tail.
- [tex]$Tt$[/tex]: This genotype has one dominant allele [tex]$(T)$[/tex] and one recessive allele [tex]$(t)$[/tex], but the dominant allele still dictates the phenotype, resulting in a short tail.
- [tex]$Tt$[/tex]: Same as above, the dominant [tex]$(T)$[/tex] allele leads to a short tail.
- [tex]$tt$[/tex]: This genotype has two recessive alleles [tex]$(t)$[/tex], resulting in a long tail.
3. Count the Phenotypes:
- Short tails:
- [tex]$TT$[/tex]: 1 cat
- [tex]$Tt$[/tex]: 2 cats
- Total for short tails: 3 cats
- Long tails:
- [tex]$tt$[/tex]: 1 cat
- Total for long tails: 1 cat
4. Conclusion of the Phenotype Ratio:
- We have 3 cats with short tails and 1 cat with a long tail.
Thus, the phenotype ratio is [tex]\( \textbf{3 short, 1 long} \)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[
C. 1 long, 3 short
\][/tex]
