Three genes (A, B, and C) at three loci are being mapped in a particular species. Each gene has two alleles, one of which results in a phenotype that is markedly different from the wild type. The unusual allele of gene A is inherited with the unusual allele of gene B or C about 50% of the time. However, the unusual alleles of genes B and C are inherited together 14.4% of the time. Which of the following describes what is happening?A. The three genes are showing independent assortment.B. The three genes are showing independent assortment.C. Gene A is linked but genes B and C are not.D. Gene A is assorting independently of genes B and C, which are linked.E. Gene A is located 14.4 map unites from genes B and C.`

According to the text it is possible to deduce that the first allele of gene A appears with allele of gene B or C half of times. On the other side alleles of genes B or C appear at the same time in 14.4% of the cases. This information shows how A is and independent variable and how B and C are related as they appear together as well.