Entry Exam Category: High School Equivalency Exams
Course: General Education Development (GED)
Exam: GED Science and Practice Test
Practice Question
Extract
Gregor Mendel determined that the offspring in crosses between plants with two heterozygous traits resulted in a 9:3:3:1 ratio, as shown in the table. The largest number of offspring expressed both dominant traits, while the fewest number of offspring expressed both recessive traits. Mendel concluded that different traits are inherited independently from each other.
William Bateson and his colleagues designed a similar experiment using heterozygous pea plants. Bateson crossed plants that were heterozygous for flower color and pollen shape. These experiments resulted in numbers of offspring that did not match Mendel's 9:3:3:1 ratio. The number and appearance of the offspring are shown in the table. Bateson concluded that some traits are not inherited independently.
William Bateson and his colleagues designed a similar experiment using heterozygous pea plants. Bateson crossed plants that were heterozygous for flower color and pollen shape. These experiments resulted in numbers of offspring that did not match Mendel's 9:3:3:1 ratio. The number and appearance of the offspring are shown in the table. Bateson concluded that some traits are not inherited independently.
How do the results of Bateson's experiment affect the interpretation of Mendel's experimental results?
Answer Choices
- A: Bateson's experimental results show that Mendel's conclusions were incorrect.
- B: Bateson's experimental results show that Mendel's conclusions were incomplete.
- C: Bateson's experiments resulted in different ratios of traits in the offspring, confirming Mendel's conclusion.
- D: Bateson's experiments studied different traits than Mendel's so Bateson's results could not challenge or support Mendel's conclusions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bateson’s results suggest linked genes, indicating Mendel’s independent assortment is not universal, making his conclusions incomplete.