Traits and Heredity: Dominant and Recessive Traits

Gregor Mendel discovered the principle of dominance and recessiveness, where one trait can mask another. In pea plants, tall height is a dominant trait over short height. This principle is encapsulated in the law of dominance, stating that dominant traits are expressed while recessive traits are hidden. This concept applies to many human traits, such as earlobe formation and tongue rolling. Mendel's work with pea plants led to significant genetic discoveries.

What does Mendel's principle of dominance and recessiveness describe?

• How traits are inherited equally

• How traits are not inherited

• How one trait can mask another

• How all traits are recessive

In Mendel's experiments, which trait is considered dominant in pea plants?

• Yellow seeds

• Short height

• Green seeds

• Tall height

According to the law of dominance, what happens to recessive traits?

• They are hidden by dominant traits

• They are always expressed

• They disappear completely

• They become dominant

Which of the following is an example of a dominant trait in humans?

• Attached earlobes

• Straight hairline

• Ability to roll your tongue

• Blue eyes

What was one of the key outcomes of Mendel's work with pea plants?

• Theory of evolution

• Principle of dominance and recessiveness

• Understanding of genetic mutations

• Discovery of photosynthesis