Which statement accurately describes Punnett Squares?

• A. They predict only environmental effects on traits
• B. They can be used to predict possible genotypes
• C. They always provide exact outcomes of a cross
• D. They are used to sequence genomes

Answer: (B)

Punnett squares are a visual way to show all the genetic combinations that could result from a cross between two parents. By listing each parent's possible gametes along the top and side, every box represents a potential genotype for an offspring and shows the relative chances of that genotype. This makes them useful for predicting possible genotypes (and their probabilities) under Mendelian inheritance. They assume simple dominance and independent assortment, and they don’t account for environmental effects or more complex gene interactions. They also don’t sequence genomes or guarantee exact outcomes for a single birth. So, they’re best understood as a tool to predict possible genotypes and their likelihoods.