Tools that predict offspring eye color, often termed heredity predictors, analyze parental eye color to estimate the probability of a child inheriting specific eye colors. These tools typically utilize simplified models of genetic inheritance, focusing on the genes most strongly associated with eye color variation. For example, a prediction might suggest a 75% chance of brown eyes and a 25% chance of blue eyes based on parental phenotypes.
While not definitive predictors, these tools offer prospective parents a glimpse into potential inherited traits. Understanding the genetic basis of eye color and the probabilities of inheritance can be an engaging educational experience. Historically, predicting such traits relied on anecdotal observation and family history. Modern tools leverage scientific understanding of genetics to offer more statistically-informed predictions, furthering public understanding of inheritance patterns.