1. What is a Dihybrid Cross?

A dihybrid cross examines the inheritance of two different traits simultaneously. This calculator extends the concept to four traits, showing all possible combinations of alleles that offspring can inherit from their parents.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator generates all possible gamete combinations for each parent (16 each for 4 traits) and combines them in a Punnett square to show potential offspring genotypes.

3. Understanding 4-Trait Inheritance

Details: With four traits, each parent can produce 16 different gamete combinations (2^4). The resulting Punnett square shows 256 possible genotype combinations in the offspring.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter genotypes for both parents using letters (e.g., AaBbCcDd). Capital letters represent dominant alleles, lowercase recessive. The calculator shows phenotype probabilities based on dominant/recessive inheritance.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 256 possible outcomes?
A: Each parent produces 16 possible gametes (2^4) for 4 traits. The Punnett square combines these (16×16=256).

Q2: How are phenotypes determined?
A: For each trait, at least one dominant allele results in dominant phenotype; two recessive alleles needed for recessive phenotype.

Q3: What's the 9:3:3:1 ratio?
A: For two traits with complete dominance, the classic dihybrid ratio is 9:3:3:1 (dominant/dominant:dominant/recessive:recessive/dominant:recessive/recessive).

Q4: Can I use this for linked genes?
A: No, this assumes independent assortment (genes on different chromosomes). Linked genes violate Mendel's law of independent assortment.

Q5: How to interpret the results?
A: The calculator shows genotype combinations and counts phenotype patterns (D=dominant, R=recessive for each of the 4 traits).