Question

Which of the following explains how progeny can possess the combinations of traits that none of the parents possessed?

Options

• Law of segregation

• Chromosome theory

• Law of independent assortment

• Polygenic inheritance

Answer 1

Law of independent assortment

Explanation:

The law of independent assortment states that when two pairs of independent alleles are brought together in the hybrid F₁, they assort independently during gamete formation. This means that genes for different traits can segregate independently of each other, allowing progeny to have new combinations of traits that neither parent exhibited. This explains how offspring can possess combinations of traits not present in either parent.