Human Genetics

If you have not seen the "How to Participate" information yet, click here.

Objectives:

This investigation is designed so that students can answer these questions:
 

1. How often do certain easily-observable human traits occur in a population?
2. Is there a relationship between the frequency of a trait in a population and whether the trait is dominant or recessive?
3. Is red-green color blindness in humans an inherited trait? If so, do Mendel's Laws apply to its inheritance?

Step One:  Conduct surveys
 

a.	Conduct a survey of your class, school or community.
b.	The survey items are the genetic traits shown here.
c.	Determine whether each person displays the dominant or recessive trait.
d.	Click here to obtain a blank copy of a form to record your data.
e.	Record the total number of people surveyed for each trait, the number of people who express the dominant trait, and the number of people who express the recessive trait.
f.	Use any of these tests to determine whether anyone you survey has red-green color blindness.
g.	Use this form to record the information about every color blind individual.

Step Two: Tabulate results
 

a.	When you have completed your surveys, give them to an individual or group who have been assigned to tally them.
b.	Count the total number of individuals surveyed, the total number of individuals showing the dominant trait and the total number of individuals showing the recessive trait.
c.	Use a copy of the survey form  to record data for each of the six traits that you surveyed.
d.	In addition, count the number of individuals who were tested for red-green color blindness and the number of individuals who exhibit red-green color blindness.
e.	Students seeking an additional challenge may wish to tally and record the data from the color blind individuals (1g above).

Return to Instructions

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you go back to the main page  and click on "Reference Material," you will find hands-on activities as well as online genetic resources to browse.
 

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