The diagram shows a DNA fingerprint from a cow and four calves. Which of these is MOST LIKELY the calf of this cow?
a
Calf 1
b
Calf 2
c
Calf 3
d
Calf 4
Unfortunately, as an AI text-based platform, I don't have the capability to view images or diagrams, including a DNA fingerprint diagram. To determine which calf is most likely the offspring of the cow, you will need to compare the bands in the DNA profiles (the distinctive patterns of lines that represent fragments of DNA) between the cow and the calves.
Here's how you can interpret a DNA fingerprint to deduce a parent-offspring relationship:
1. Look for bands in the calf's DNA profile that are present in the cow's profile. Each calf should inherit half of its DNA from its mother (the cow) and half from its father.
2. The calf whose DNA has bands in common with the cow in all positions is likely to be the offspring. If there are bands in the calf's profile that do not match with the cow (and these bands cannot be attributed to the calf's other parent), then it is less likely that the cow is the mother.
3. Evaluate all the available calves' profiles and compare them with the cow's profile. The calf with the most matching bands with the cow is the most likely to be her offspring.
If you provide the patterns or describe them in detail, I might be able to help you interpret which calf is most likely the offspring of the cow. Otherwise, you will need to analyze the DNA fingerprint yourself following the general guidance above.