Ball Python Genetics charts
Ball Pythons Genetic Charts - Recessive, Incomplete Dominant, and Dominant:
The following charts are visual aids to help novice breeders understand the genetics they are interested in. The charts are based on the law of averages; actual results may vary.
Recessive
Homozygous: Means a pair of identical genes. These may be two identical normal genes or two identical mutant genes.
Heterozygous: Means a pair of non-identical alleles. Alleles are different versions of the same gene. The usual case is a normal allele paired with a changed (mutant) allele. An individual that is heterozygous for a recessive mutant gene look normal.
Examples of Simple Recessive Genes: Albino, Clown, Axanthic, Piebald, and Hypomelanistic Ball Pythons.
Incomplete Dominant
Homozygous: Super Pastel means a pair of identical mutant genes. These individuals look significantly different from both the normal and heterozygous forms.
Heterozygous: Pastel means a pair of non-identical alleles. The usual case is a normal allele paired with a mutant allele. An individual that is heterozygous for an incomplete dominant mutant gene look different from both the normal and the homozygous (Super) forms.
Genetic Key:
Homozygous = Super Pastel
Heterozygous = Pastel Jungle
Examples of Incomplete Dominant Genes: Pastel, Fire, Yellow Belly, and Banana Ball Pythons.
Dominant
This is a visible mutation that appears when a single allele at a locus is different than the normal. In dominant morphs, the "Super" (homozygous) snake is identical in appearance to the heterozygous snake. The only way to determine the homozygous individual is through breeding trials.
Genetic Key:
Homozygous = Super Spider (looks like a normal Spider)
Heterozygous = Spider
Homozygous: Means a pair of identical genes. These may be two identical normal or mutant genes.
Heterozygous: Means a pair of non-identical alleles. Individuals that are heterozygous for a dominant mutant gene look like individuals that are homozygous for the gene.
Examples of Dominant Genes: Spider and Pinstripe Ball Pythons.
I hope this information helps novice breeders. For more information, please visit our Genetics Basics or our Genetics Vocabulary. Thank you for your time.
Best of luck,
Living Art Reptiles™
Source Information:
Markus Jane & Living Art Reptiles
Chart: Markus Jane.
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