Question

What is the scientific name of the garden pea plant that Mendel used in his experiments?

Options

• Triticum aestivum

• Pisum sativum

• Solanum tuberosum

• Zea mays

Answer 1

The garden pea plant used by Mendel is scientifically named Pisum sativum. This plant was ideal for his studies because it had clear, easily observable contrasting traits, normally underwent self-pollination to maintain pure lines, could be artificially cross-pollinated, had a short life cycle, produced many seeds, and had true-breeding varieties available for several contrasting characters.