What term describes a variety that produces the same trait over several generations?

• A. Hybrid
• B. True-breeder
• C. Cross-breed
• D. Genotic

Answer: (B)

The term that describes a variety producing the same trait over several generations is a true-breeder. True-breeding organisms have homozygous alleles for a specific trait, meaning they carry two identical copies of a gene. When these individuals are bred together, their offspring consistently display the same trait because they inherit the same alleles from both parents.

This concept is fundamental in genetics, as true-breeders serve as a baseline for studying inheritance patterns. For instance, if a true-breeding plant for flower color (let's say purple) is crossed with another true-breeding plant (for white flowers), the offspring will exhibit a predictable ratio of phenotypes based on the laws of inheritance. This predictability is vital for genetic studies and breeding programs.

Other terms, such as hybrid or cross-breed, refer to offspring that result from the mating of two different varieties or species and can exhibit a range of traits due to the mixing of genetic material. Genotic, while not a standard term in genetics, suggests genetic factors but does not specifically highlight the trait consistency seen in true-breeders. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone studying inheritance and genetics.