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Article: Probability
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- Genetics
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Probability
Probability measures the likelihood that something specific will occur. For example, a tossed coin has an equal chance, or probability, of landing with one side up ("heads") or the other ("tails"). If you drive without a seat belt, your probability of being injured in an accident is much higher than if you buckle up. Probability uses numbers to explain chance.
If something is absolutely going to happen, its probability of occurring is 1, or 100 percent. If something absolutely will not happen, its probability of occurring is 0, or 0 percent.
Probability is used as a tool in many areas of genetics. A clinical geneticist uses probability to determine the likelihood that a ...