======Coin Toss Genetics======


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**Alternative titles:** Genetic Probability with Coins
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Begin with probability exercises: predict the chance of heads or tails in single and double coin tosses, then test and record results.
  - With a partner, toss two coins simultaneously to simulate gametes combining. Record results as possible genotypes (AA, Aa, aa).
  - Repeat coin tosses until 100 results are obtained, then total the genotypes.
  - Combine class results for larger data sets.
  - Determine phenotypic ratios: dominant phenotype (AA + Aa) versus recessive phenotype (aa).
  - Compare actual ratios with the predicted Mendelian 3:1 ratio.
  - Discuss sources of variation between predicted and observed results.



====Links==== 
Coin Flip Heredity Video Explanation - Robert Woodruff: 
{{youtube>KkVmY49XBpA?}}\\

📄 Coin Toss Genetics - Southern Biological: [[https://www.southernbiological.com/coin-toss-genetics/?srsltid=AfmBOop-S1S90zzuPRzqqxtA5uaHmZ9pa81wlcJeid4R_mXFvTdbaPBU]]\\


====Variations====
  * Increase the number of tosses to see how ratios approach expected probabilities.
  * Simulate a dihybrid cross using two different types of coins.
  * Use dice instead of coins to simulate multiple alleles or more complex inheritance.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Ensure coins are handled safely (no throwing).
  * Emphasize accurate recording of data rather than competition.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why do actual coin toss results sometimes differ from predicted ratios? (Because of chance variation in small sample sizes.)
  * How does increasing the number of trials affect the accuracy of results? (Larger data sets reduce the effect of chance and approximate theoretical ratios more closely.)
  * How does tossing a coin represent meiosis and allele segregation? (Each coin side represents one allele randomly assigned to a gamete.)
  * Why do we use probability to predict inheritance patterns? (Genetic crosses follow probability rules because allele distribution is random.)
  * How could this model be extended to study more complex inheritance patterns? (By using multiple coins or dice to simulate dihybrid or polygenic traits.)