The tortoiseshell pattern on a cat
A) usually occurs in males.
B) is the result of a homozygous recessive condition.
C) results from X chromosome inactivation.
D) is a result of alleles on the Y chromosome.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tortoiseshell pattern on a cat is due to X chromosome inactivation. The genes responsible for the black and orange colors are located on the X chromosome. In female cats, one X chromosome is inactivated in each cell, creating patches of different colored fur. Male cats only have one X chromosome and therefore cannot display a tortoiseshell pattern.

The Tortoiseshell Pattern on a Cat