Which tool is utilized to predict the genotype and phenotype combinations from parental alleles?

The Punnett square is a tool that allows individuals to visualize and predict the possible genotype and phenotype combinations that can result from the alleles contributed by each parent. It is particularly useful in genetics for understanding inheritance patterns in offspring.

In a Punnett square, the alleles from one parent are placed along one axis, while the alleles from the other parent are placed along the adjacent axis. By filling in the square, students can see all possible combinations of alleles and determine the probabilities of various genotypes and phenotypes among the offspring. This method provides a clear and systematic way to analyze genetic crosses.

The other options, while relevant in genetic studies, serve different purposes. Genetic maps illustrate the locations of genes on chromosomes but do not predict specific offspring combinations. Pedigree charts show family histories and inheritance patterns but do not facilitate the direct prediction of individual offspring outcomes. Chromosome layouts detail the structure and organization of chromosomes, which is useful for understanding genetic makeup but lacks the predictive capability offered by a Punnett square.