A Punnett square is a tool used to predict the possible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring based on the genetic makeup of the parents.

Mendel’s experiments with pea plants established the fundamental laws of inheritance. He discovered that traits are inherited in discrete units (genes), and these traits are governed by dominant and recessive alleles, leading to his Laws of Segregation and Independent Assortment.

The principles of inheritance include the concepts of dominant and recessive alleles, segregation of alleles during gamete formation, and independent assortment of genes. These principles are based on Mendel’s work and explain how traits are passed from parents to offspring.