Puzzles and Games

Martian Genetics

Puzzle 3: Purple Eyes and Plath's Poetry

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Martian eye color is determined by a single X-linked gene. Martians have either purple (X-dominant) or orange (X-recessive) eyes. Martian females, like human females, have two X chromosomes; Martian males, like human males, have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.

How a Martian enjoys spending a Saturday afternoon is also determined genetically, in this case by a single autosomal (which is to say, not gender-specific) chromosome that comes in two varieties (S or s). There are two favorite recreational activities: the dominant trait, watching NASCAR (SS or Ss); or the recessive trait, reading the poetry of Sylvia Plath (ss).

A traditional Martian marriage consists of one female Martian and two males. The female Martian only mates with her two husbands. One day, you meet a married trio:

• Kleq, a female, who has orange eyes and likes to watch NASCAR.
• Fbu, a male, who has orange eyes and likes to watch NASCAR.
• Zrgo, a male, who has purple eyes and likes to read the poetry of Sylvia Plath.