Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the garden pea?

• A. It has distinct varieties
• B. It can self-fertilize
• C. It does not produce seeds
• D. It is easy to control parental choices

Answer: (C)

The garden pea, known scientifically as Pisum sativum, has several distinctive features that make it an excellent model organism for studying inheritance. One notable characteristic is that it does produce seeds, which are crucial for studies of genetic traits. The ability to produce seeds allows for the observation of phenotypic variations across generations, which is fundamental in genetic experiments.

In addition to its seed production, the garden pea has distinct varieties, meaning there are different kinds that exhibit specific traits, such as flower color or seed shape. This diversity allows for a variety of genetic combinations to be tested. The plant's ability to self-fertilize ensures a controlled breeding environment, which facilitates the study of inheritance patterns without external genetic contributions. Moreover, the ease with which researchers can control parental choices in breeding experiments further enhances its utility in genetic research.

Hence, indicating that the garden pea does not produce seeds is inaccurate, as this characteristic is essential for its role in genetics.