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Don't laugh, but genetics are hard...

ArvadaLanee

New member
Hahaha. Okay, you can laugh a little, since you'd be laughing with me.
Since I am really enjoying reading up on our new friend, I thought I would look into a little reading about corn snake genetics. I wanted to know what homo vs het was, and all the other interesting, yet over-my-head stuff about colors, and morphs, and crosses. The thing is, the last time I learned anything about genetics was in a 5th grade science class where we had to pair up with a class mate to see what our baby might look like. And all I remember from that class, is that my mock-child was adorable. Lol
I got lucky. I found a website that tries to teach people like me, that are completely clueless. I love it. It is definitely helping me learn. That being said, I feel like this is something I will need to study, and practice (on paper, not clueless breeding trials) before I really have even the most basic understanding. I will say, I am getting the practice questions right. Yay me! My hope is that one day, I can read all the posts about all the cool breeding projects, and actually know what the heck they are talking about. I do find it interesting, and I am a curious person by nature, but really, and truly, genetics are hard! Maybe one day, they won't seem that way at all to me. I will have to keep on reading and practicing. It would be so cool to be able to look at 2 snakes, and be able to imagine what kind of little babies they would make.
I am a goof. I know that. ;)
 
I think just about everyone on here would agree that they are hard, for sure! I know I had a headache for the whole first year I was trying to learn about corn genetics! It does get easier with practice but beware, if you are like me, I don't actively use it for a couple months and my knowledge and understanding slips. So it's definitely a use it or lose it thing too!
 
My doctorate is in molecular genetics, so if you ever have trouble understanding a concept I'd be happy to help. Genetics is my passion! There is also a tutorial stickied in the morphs/genetics issues section of the forum, although I haven't looked at it myself. Once you understand the basic concepts it will start to become more intuitive. I think doing practice problems is the best way to learn.
 
That is one of the things I think makes it hard for me. I read this stuff, and yes, the light bulb lights up over my head, but I wonder, am I going to retain any of this? I mean, this morning I was looking for my car keys for almost 10 minutes before I realized they were on the coffee table. I once asked my boyfriend if he'd seen my purse, when it was still on my shoulder. I lose my phone at least once a day. Then again, I know weird useless stuff like the only two mammals that lay eggs, and the only three animals to engage in prostitution, (or a form of it, anyway.) When my son was diagnosed with aortic stenosis, I learned so much so fast, the assistant surgeon asked me to look at a book he was writing on the subject. I guess I just never know what will stick with me. I just know I always love to try to learn about new things.
 
Yes, DuxorW has been a great addition to this forum, so good at explaining things that I even fairly readily understand them! The Cinder poss sex linkage discussion is super interesting, although I've fallen terribly behind on reading it.
 
Just looked over that sticky. It really just goes over some terms. I am not even ready to plug those terms in yet. I am still learning things like that each corn carries 2 complete sets of genes, and how to use the "F.O.I.L" method to see the potential genetics of offspring. And I am still going to have to read this stuff a few more times to be sure it's sticking in my brain right.
 
Yes, DuxorW has been a great addition to this forum, so good at explaining things that I even fairly readily understand them! The Cinder poss sex linkage discussion is super interesting, although I've fallen terribly behind on reading it.

Thank you, I was worried that my rantings were incomprehensible! I wish I had gotten the explanation fully correct the first time though, as judging by some emails I received, people got the wrong impression by only reading parts of the thread. I think the puzzle is mostly solved, though.
 
Cinder poss sex linkage. That sounds intimidating. My education level is a GED, so while I like to think I am not an idiot, I know I'm a person who needs to start at the very beginning, with baby steps. I am going to try not to get frustrated, or down on myself for that. We all have to start somewhere, right? I may look into more detailed stuff if I can figure out the basics. So far, I am enjoying it, even if it is bit intimidating!
 
Cinder behaving like a sex-linked trait in only some females made everyone's brain hurt, so you would not be alone, lol! What website are you using to learn genetics?
 
Trust me, you are not alone... I used to be REALLY good with genetics and science when I was younger... but these snakes have such a variety and similar looking trait that have different dominance depending on how they are paired since most are recessive that it has been a pita for me to really comprehend.. It is fun though... it really is... I love reading about peoples projects as well so I completely understand where you are coming from... I LOVE colors and patterns on these guys like a little kid in a candy store..
 
I am reading on cornguides.com on the genetics pages. I haven't gotten very far yet, because I have been busy, and when I try to sit and relax and read, my kids and boyfriend always decide to cause trouble, or if they aren't home, it's the cats. Lol. I will find time, eventually!
 
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