Download Dragon Genetics Exploration

Name: _____________________________________________
The Genetics of Dragons!
Date: _________________________ Period: ___________
Instructions:
This is a computer simulation in which you will explore how dragons
pass traits on to their offspring. While many of the principles
follow the rules of inheritance first described by Gregor Mendel,
the traits of dragons are different from human traits.
As you work through this simulation, remember:

There is no way back to a previous page.

Each run of the simulation is different.

If you forget to answer a question, you will need to repeat EVERYTHING.

Be sure to answer all questions before you click “NEXT”.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Artwork by Sandra Staple, 1999
Part 1: Genotype and Phenotype
Go here: http://biologica.concord.org/webtest1/web_labs_genophenotype.htm
Page 1: (Create a bunch of dragons…)
 Click the Male and Female buttons to create 9 dragons. (Make at least 4 of each sex)
 Answer the following questions.
1. How many dragons breathe fire? ____________ How many dragons don’t? ____________
2. How many dragons have wings? ____________ How many dragons don’t? ____________
3. How many different colors of dragons do you have? ____________
 Click Next to continue
READ THE INTRODUCTION! You will
only be allowed to change 7 alleles before you move on to the next activity!!!!!!!
Page 2: (Here is one of the dragons you created.)
4. Is the gene for horns dominant or recessive? ___________________________________________
5. Is the gene for wings dominant or recessive? ___________________________________________
6. What happens when you change the leg alleles to Ll? _________________________________
7. What happens when you change the leg alleles to LL? _________________________________
8. What one allele do you have to have for a dragon to breath fire? ____________________________
 Click Next to continue
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Page 3: (Match the dragons you created.)
9. What alleles did you have to change to match your dragons? _______________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Page 4: Start over and try to map out the different colors of dragons.
10. In the table below, map out the genotypes and phenotypes for the gene that controls dragon color.
Phenotype
Blue
Green
Yellow
Brown
Red
Purple
Genotype
11. How many alleles for the dragon color gene are there? ____________________________________
12. How many chromosomes affect the ability to breathe fire in male dragons? ____________________
13. How many chromosomes affect the ability to breathe fire in female dragons? __________________
14. Bonus: What are all possible genotypes for a dragon with no horns? _________________________
15. Is fiery breath in dragons a Mendelian (dominant / recessive) inheritance pattern? ______________
16. Bonus: What are all possible genotypes for a dragon with wings? ___________________________
17. What are all possible genotypes for a dragon with no legs? ________________________________
Draw one dragon you created:
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