When a Chinese hamster with white spots is crossed with another hamster that has no spots, approximately 1/2 of the offspring have white spots and ½ have no spots. When two hamsters with white spots are crossed, 2/3 of the offspring possess white spots and 1/3 have no spots. What is the genetic basis of white spotting in Chinese hamsters? Is it possible to produce Chinese hamsters that breed true for white spotting? Why or why not?

A) One of the genotype i. e true breed white is lethal

B) No

Explanation:

A) Two hamsters with white spots are crossed, 2/3 of the offspring possess white spots and 1/3 has no spots.

This means that the two white hamsters would be carrier for the trait of no spot.

The ratio for offspring signifies that one of the offspring dies because of lethal genotype.

B) No, because the true breed for white spotting is lethal.

However, heterozygous white spotting can be detected.