Question

Why did Mendel select pea plants for his experiments?

Hint:

Mendel chose pea plants due to their short life span, distinct traits, and ability for both self- and cross-pollination.

Answer 1

Gregor Johann Mendel, the father of genetics, selected pea plants (Pisum sativum) for his hybridization experiments due to the following reasons: \begin{enumerate} \item Distinct contrasting traits: Pea plants show easily observable contrasting traits such as tall/dwarf plants, round/wrinkled seeds, green/yellow pods, etc. \item Short life cycle: They have a short life span, which allowed Mendel to study several generations in a short period. \item Ease of cultivation: Pea plants are easy to grow and require simple care. \item Natural self-pollination: Ensures genetic stability. \item Artificial cross-pollination possible: Flowers are large and bisexual, making artificial hybridization (manual crossing) easy. \end{enumerate} Conclusion: Because of these advantages, Mendel obtained reliable and reproducible results, which helped him formulate the Laws of Inheritance.