Inheritable Coat Color

Abstract

Inheritable Coat Color is a Minecraft mod that introduces a realistic genetic inheritance system for sheep coat colors and wool characteristics. Built as an example implementation of the Chromosome Lib framework, this mod replaces Minecraft’s simple color inheritance mechanics with a sophisticated genetics-based system inspired by real-world Mendelian inheritance.

Key Features

• Genetic Inheritance System: Sheep offspring inherit coat colors through a multi-gene system featuring dominant, recessive, incomplete dominant, and sex-linked alleles.
• Complex Color Genetics: Coat colors are determined by multiple interacting genes including:  
• Melanin enzyme production (black pigment).
• Uranidin enzyme production (yellow pigment, X-linked).
• Melanin metabolic enzyme (affects pigment attachment).
• Dilution genes (incomplete dominance affecting color intensity).
• Pink mutation gene.
• Special pigment genes (magenta and green, with co-dominance).
• Hair Length Trait: Introduces long-haired and short-haired variants through a single gene with Mendelian inheritance. Long-haired sheep produce more wool when sheared.
• Chromosomal Mechanics: Genes are mapped to specific chromosomes with realistic mutation rates and crossing-over probabilities.
• Sex Determination: Implements XY sex determination system with sex-linked traits.