Probability and geneticsProbability theory is the study of the probability of random events occurring in order to predict the future behavior of a system (2). The principles of probability are widely used. In genetics, for example, probability is used to estimate the probability of the distribution of genes from one generation to the next. In business, insurance companies use probability principles to determine risk groups. Probability is closely related to statistics as uncertainty always exists when statistical predictions are made. A number between 0 and 1 represents the probability of an outcome (1). The probability of an impossible event is 0. While the probability of something that will definitely happen is 1. It is recognized that probability theory was developed by Blaise Pascal with the help of his friend Pierre de Fermat. Blaise Pascal was born in Clermont, France on 19 June 1623. He was Etienne Pascal's third child and his only son. Blaise was only 3 years old when his mother died (3). In 1631, his family moved to Paris to continue the education of Blaise, who had already demonstrated exceptional abilities. Pascal was taught at home, and to ensure that he was not overworked, his father decided that his studies would only involve languages ​​and should not include mathematics. At the age of twelve, Pascal demonstrated to his guardian an interest in geometry. He was stimulated by the subject and gave up his free time and chose to study geometry instead. In a few weeks he discovered the multiple properties of geometric figures, in particular that the sum of the angels of a triangle is equal to 180 degrees. Impressed by Pascal's performance, his father gave him a copy of Euclid's Elements, which Pascal read and soon found... middle of paper... involving money. By playing the odds right, someone could win big, both at the gaming table and on Wall Street. Probability makes random events seem very predictable. Work Cited1. Campbell, Neil, Jane Reece, Lawerence Mitchell. Biology fifth edition.Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., 19992.Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles, Probability.http://www.cut-the-knot.com/probability.html.( 12/5/99)3. Pascal. http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Pascal.html. (5/12/99)4. A brief history of probability. From Calculus, Volume II by Tom M. Apostol (2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1969) Online: http://www.cc.gatech.edu/classes/cs6751_97_winter/Topics/stat-meas/probHist.html. (5/12/99)5.Wilkins, DR Blaise Pascal (1623 – 1662)http://www.maths.tcd.ie/pub/HistMath/People/Pascal/RouseBall/RB_Pascal.html. (12/5/99)