Genetics Project - Design a Species
Teacher's Guide

The creature should have at least 5 genetic traits from the following list. You are free to create whatever traits you like (such as hair color, size, shape, or other features)

• 2 Single-allele traits
• 1 Codominant trait
• 1 Multiple allele trait
• 1 Sex linked trait

For this project, I like put an example on the board that is simple and straightforward and shows students that they don't need to get fancy or have drawing skills to complete the project. The example uses smiley faces. For each trait I'll show what I draw on the board to illustrate

2 Single Allele Traits

HH & Hh = smiley with hair | hh = bald smiley

EE & Ee = smiles | ee = frown

1 Codominant Trait

I use colors for this one, to show blending. Codominant and Incomplete dominance are easy to confuse and largely a matter of semantics.

RR = red | Rr = pink | rr = white

*this case actually shows incomplete dominance, codominance might be red and white stripes.

1 Multiple Allele Trait

This is best described in reference to blood types. Choose the letters A, B, and O. Choose two that are codominant, and one that is recessive. In the case of smilies, you could do it this way:

AA, AO = large circular eyes
BB, BO = small dot eyes
AB = large circle with a dot in the middle
OO = triangular eyes

1 Sex Linked Trait

For the sex linked trait I use another feature, such as ears or nose. Females would have pointed ears PP or Pp, or floppy ears pp. Males would either be P (pointed) or p (floppy).

Genetics Project Grading Rubric - I also have this as labels that I print on stickers to just check pts as I look over the project. It takes practice, but once you get going, the projects become easier to grade. Download: genetic_project_labels.doc