What does the forked line method show in genetic studies?

The forked line method, also known as the forked-line diagram or branching diagram, is specifically designed to visually represent how traits are inherited in genetic studies. It systematically illustrates the probability of various offspring genotypes being produced when multiple genes or traits are involved in a genetic cross.

This method is particularly useful when dealing with three or more traits, as it allows for a clear representation of how these traits can combine and separate through generations. Each fork in the diagram represents a branching point where different alleles might segregate, ultimately showcasing all possible combinations of alleles that can result from the genetic cross being analyzed.

Through this method, researchers can effectively visualize and calculate the resulting genotypes of the offspring, making it a powerful tool for understanding genetic inheritance in complex scenarios where multiple traits interact.