To determine the phenotype ratio from the given Punnett square for cats with short and long tails, we need to analyze the genotypes provided. Short tails are dominant (represented by [tex]$T$[/tex]), and long tails are recessive (represented by [tex]$t$[/tex]). Here's the breakdown of the Punnett square:
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|c|}
\hline
& T & t \\
\hline
t & Tt & tt \\
\hline
t & Tt & tt \\
\hline
\end{array}
\][/tex]
The Punnett square shows the following possible genotypes for the offspring:
1. [tex]$Tt$[/tex]
2. [tex]$tt$[/tex]
3. [tex]$Tt$[/tex]
4. [tex]$tt$[/tex]
Now, let's determine the phenotypes for these genotypes:
- [tex]$Tt$[/tex]: This genotype contains one dominant allele (T) and one recessive allele (t). Since the dominant allele T is present, the phenotype will be short tails.
- [tex]$tt$[/tex]: This genotype contains two recessive alleles (t). The absence of the dominant allele means the phenotype will be long tails.
From the Punnett square, we have:
- [tex]$Tt$[/tex] (short tails) appears 2 times.
- [tex]$tt$[/tex] (long tails) appears 2 times.
Therefore, the phenotype ratio for short tails to long tails is 2 short, 2 long.
So the correct answer is:
D. 2 long, 2 short
