Tools that predict offspring eye color based on parental genetics are available online and often referred to by phrases including “genetic eye color calculator.” These tools typically use simplified models based on the inheritance of genes influencing eye pigmentation, such as OCA2 and HERC2, providing probabilities for various eye colors in children. For instance, a tool might indicate a 75% chance of brown eyes and a 25% chance of blue eyes based on the inputted parental eye colors.
While not perfectly predictive due to the complex interplay of multiple genes and environmental factors affecting eye color development, these tools offer an accessible and engaging introduction to the principles of genetic inheritance. They provide a simplified illustration of how specific traits are passed from one generation to the next, sparking curiosity about human genetics. Historically, understanding eye color inheritance began with basic Mendelian models but has evolved as research unveiled the complexity of polygenic traits. These readily available tools represent a modern application of this scientific understanding.