JAMB Biology 2002 Question 48

Question 48

Chromosomes, DNA and Sex Linkage

The first four children of a couple were all girls. The probability that the fifth will also be a girl is

  1. A.1/5
  2. B.1/4
  3. C.1/3
  4. D.1/2.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (1/2.)

Explanation

Each child's sex depends only on whether an X or a Y sperm fertilises the egg. Earlier births make no difference, so the chance is always 1/2.