Which scientist is known for foundational genetics work with peas?

• A. Charles Darwin
• B. Gregor Mendel
• C. James Watson
• D. Francis Crick

Answer: (B)

Understanding heredity starts with how traits pass from one generation to the next through controlled crosses. Gregor Mendel used true-breeding pea varieties and cross-pollination to track single traits across generations, discovering that offspring inherit discrete units (now called genes or alleles) that separate into gametes. This led to predictable patterns, like a 3:1 ratio in the offspring of a monohybrid cross, and the idea that traits are inherited as distinct factors that can be combined in offspring. From his observations, the laws of segregation and, with dihybrid crosses, independent assortment emerged, forming the foundation of genetics.

Peas were ideal for this work because they show clear, contrasting traits, have short generation times, and can be easily self-fertilized or cross-pollinated, enabling precise tracking of inheritance. Other scientists mentioned studied different aspects of biology: Darwin focused on natural selection and evolution, while Watson and Crick uncovered the DNA double helix, the molecule that carries genetic information, long after Mendel’s experiments.