Question

Mendel obtained the F₂ generation by ______.

Options

• self-pollinating F₁ generation plants.

• cross-pollinating F₁ generation plants with plants having dominant traits.

• cross-pollinating F₁ generation plants with plants having recessive traits.

• cross-pollinating both the plants.

Answer 1

Mendel obtained the F₂ generation by self-pollinating F₁ generation plants.

Explanation:

In his experiments with pea plants, Mendel initially crossed two contrasting pure-bred traits (e.g., towering and short) to produce the F₁ generation, in which all individuals exhibited the dominant trait. He then self-pollinated the F₁ plants to observe the segregation of traits in the F₂ generation, which appeared in a 3 : 1 phenotypic ratio (dominant : recessive).