Heredity: Mendel's Explanation

Gregor Mendel observed that the first generation of pea plants had no short plants, while the second generation had about 1/4 short plants. He used his mathematical background to hypothesize that each plant has two factors for each trait, with one factor contributed by each parent. Mendel suggested that some factors can mask others, such as tall height dominating short height. These factors are now known as genes.

What was Mendel's initial observation about the first generation of pea plants?

• All plants were tall.

• All plants were short.

• There were no short plants.

• Half of the plants were short.

How did Mendel use his background in mathematics to explain his observations?

• He calculated the average height of the plants.

• He hypothesized that each plant has two factors for a trait.

• He predicted the color of the flowers.

• He measured the growth rate of the plants.

According to Mendel, how are traits passed from parents to offspring?

• Through a single factor from one parent.

• Through two factors, one from each parent.

• Through environmental influences.

• Through random chance.

What did Mendel conclude about the relationship between the factors for tall and short plant height?

• Short height is dominant over tall height.

• Tall height masks or dominates short height.

• Both heights are equally expressed.

• Height is determined by environmental factors.

What are the 'factors' Mendel referred to now known as?

• Genes

• Chromosomes

• Proteins

• Cells