What genetic tool is used to show potential offspring genotypes?

The Punnett square is a genetic tool used to determine the potential genotypes of offspring based on the genetic makeup of the parents. It visually represents the combinations of alleles that can occur when two organisms reproduce. By filling in the squares with the possible allele combinations, this tool allows for the easy prediction of the probability of each genotype and phenotype in the offspring.

This method is particularly useful in Mendelian genetics, where traits are inherited according to specific ratios. The Punnett square helps clarify how alleles segregate during the formation of gametes and then combine during fertilization, providing a clear understanding of inheritance patterns. It effectively summarizes all possible outcomes, making it a fundamental tool in genetics for visualizing and predicting the results of genetic crosses.