What characteristic of the garden pea made it advantageous for genetic studies?

• A. It was large and easy to plant
• B. It existed in several varieties with distinct characteristics
• C. It grew quickly in any environment
• D. It had attractive flowers

Answer: (B)

The garden pea is advantageous for genetic studies primarily because it existed in several varieties with distinct characteristics. This trait allowed early geneticists, like Gregor Mendel, to easily observe how these characteristics were passed from one generation to the next. Each variety of pea displayed traits such as flower color, pod shape, and seed texture that were easily identifiable and measurable. This variety provided a rich basis for Mendel’s experiments, enabling clear conclusions about inheritance patterns.

The other characteristics mentioned, such as the size and ease of planting or the speed of growth, do not directly contribute to the genetic understanding of traits in the same way as the existence of distinct varieties. While attractive flowers may enhance the visual appeal of the plants, they also do not play a significant role in facilitating genetic studies. The diversity in traits was key in allowing Mendel to establish the foundational laws of inheritance, making it the most relevant feature for his work in genetics.