The main reasons for the success of Mendel was that
A. He made a statistical analysis of the offspring
B. He first took only one character at a time in his cross
C. He kept pedigree records
D. He selected pea plants
Hint: Between 1856 and 1863, Gregor John Mendel conducted experiments on pea plants. From the findings of these experiments, he uncovered the principles of inheritance, making a groundbreaking discovery. He was the first to explain how traits are passed down through generations, referring to genes as “factors.” Mendel is recognized as the father of genetics.
Complete answer: Mendel successfully explained the laws of heredity because he selected pure-breeding pea plants. The key to his success was focusing on a single trait at a time in his hybridization experiments, making the process simpler. Other scientists worked with multiple traits at once, which complicated their experiments and hindered accurate conclusions. Mendel’s choice of the pea plant was also advantageous; he was fortunate that the traits he examined were controlled by genes located on separate chromosomes. Additionally, the pea plant is bisexual, annual, and has a short life cycle, making it ideal for experimentation. Mendel only proceeded with a dihybrid cross after completing his monohybrid experiments and selected only contrasting traits. He meticulously observed and analyzed his results, recording all findings.
Therefore, the correct answer is choice B.
Note: Mendel established three laws of inheritance: the law of dominance, the law of segregation, and the law of independent assortment. His experiments and findings were published in an article, but at the time, scientists rejected these ideas, and he received no recognition. Later, three scientists—Correns, Hugo de Vries, and von Tschermak—independently verified these laws, proving Mendel’s principles to be accurate. Today, Mendel is acknowledged as a pioneer in the field of genetics.