Question
Biology Question on Principles of Inheritance and Variation
Mendel selected Pisum sativum for his experimental investigations among various plants available in the Monastery garden. Which of the following can be a reason for this?
It has a short life cycle
It has distinctive, contrasting traits like tall and dwarf plant
It easily undergoes self pollination
All of these
All of these
Solution
Pure varieties of pea are available. Pea plants show a number of easily detectable contrasting characters. The flower structure of pea is such as to allow controlled breeding. Pea flower normally remains closed and undergoes self pollination. It is an annual plant with short life span and gives results within 3 months. A large number of seeds are produced per plant. The plant is grown easily and does not require after-care except at the time of pollination. Though pea plant is self pollinated, but it can be cross bred manually. F1 hybrids are fertile.