I often times seem the abbreviations F1 F2 being used for so called "Pure" Stock or Locale Specific animals. There was even a discussion (Heated!) a few years ago on this forum about the terms being used incorrectly by hybridizes to represent the offspring from their projects.

In fact the abbreviations F1 F2 F3 etc... came about as the RESULT of hybridization! It was hybridization of pea plants but this is the beginning of the system. I don't recall the name of the scientist (i Know it starts with an M) he was a monk or priest of some sort (I wasn't "allowed" to google so....???)

But I do remember the system.

Parental Generation/"True Breeders" OR Homozygous A x Homozygous B = 1st Filial (F1-Hybrid)

F1 x F1 = F2

F2 x F2 = F3

F3 x F3 = F4

etc... (a lot of inbreeding though!)

This is the birthplace of genetics so we all should take the time out to know it.

One note for the "purist"... a HYBRID results from crossing any two animals that "Breed true"... for example if I breed a B/W king to a B/W king and get all B/W kings... that kingsnake "Breeds true"... If I were to breed the B/W king to a Brown and Yellow Striped king the resulting offspring would vary in appearance (phenotype)... these would be HYBRIDS F1... If I bred the F1s back to each other in theory I should produce offspring that resemble Parent 1, Parent 2 and some "in between". If you Breed a South Florida Brooksi to A Cane Field Floridana the offspring are Hybrids.

If i continuously breed two aniamls from each generation back to each other until i produce a particular "look" that when two animals displaying this "look" are breed together ALL the offspring display this "look" ... this "look" breeds true or "Pure"

Don't belive me... Just think===> Wolves to Domesticated Dogs in an abundance of variations!


What's the point of my post: There are a lot of posts here, people come here for information, a newbie reads information and most of the time doesn't take the time out to seek an alternative view point. Esp. when the view point they're getting if from what they perceive to be "Experts" Unfortunately Some of these "Experts" take information they HEAR and regurgitate it without ever taking the time to research and confirm. So what should be all do? Those of us that are breeders, (whether for profit, hobby, curiosity, etc...) need to take the time out to KNOW how "things" work so that WE can better explain when asked.

I can talk about this stuff (genetics) for days, I Love it! I know that many people wont share my passion for genetic... but it should be your responsibility to know what goes on when you throw two snakes together and it should be your responsibility to figure out what's going on if you get atypical results from a pairing.

Morphs/Variations are becoming a bigger thing every year and the more morphs/variations we see the more interests will grow... Lets spread accurate information!

Have a wonderful day!

~ZF

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