Question

Mendel chose Pisum sativum (garden pea) as the experimental plant. Which of these was not a reason for choosing this plant?

• A. Short lifespan
• B. Low cost of maintenance
• C. Self-fertilising
• D. Only 14 chromosomes

Answer 1

The correct option is D Only 14 chromosomes

Mendel chose the Garden pea (Pisum sativum) plant for his experimentation due to the following reasons:

• Short lifespan of one year
• Requires less maintenance and labour
• Multiple plants can be grown in small area
• Availability of pure varieties
• Exhibit a variety of visible characters with contrasting traits
• Self fertilising - Mating can be controlled easily

Chromosomes were yet to be discovered back when Mendel started his experiments and thus the fact that the pea plant has only 14 chromosomes could not be a reason for selecting this plant.