This is true. The qualifier "results may vary" should be used. HOWEVER, if
you've had biology/zoology/etc., you would have learned that the method used
to calculate genetics is a generalization, based on mathematical statistics.
To actually get results that equal a 25/50/25 distribution, you would
literally have to breed a single pair of gerbils thousands, even millions of
times. This is because nature does not necessarily follow mathematical
norms. A little element of nature called Entropy dictates a constant
element of chance. For this reason, the calculated genetic "norms" for a
given pair are only expected guidelines, but they are a reasonable enough
estimate that science has accepted it as standard.
-Will
-----Original Message-----
From: Gerbil Discussion List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf
Of Douglas White
Sent: Friday, June 09, 2000 11:54 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Color Question
When you breed 2 spotted gerbils together you can't say that you will have
25% smaller litters, you can say it is possible. This is because the
combination of genes will not always come out to 25/50/25, I have bred
spotted gerbils together and had consistent litters of 7 up to the
occasional
10. The same thing can be used on color breeding just because you should get
something doesn't mean you will.
Doug
