Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Blending inheritance was a popular theory of heredity before the discovery of genetics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. According to the theory of blending inheritance, traits from two parents would blend together in their offspring. For example, if a black and a white dog were bred together, their offspring would be gray.
This theory was based on observations of the physical traits of offspring, which often appeared to be intermediate between those of their parents. It also seemed to explain how traits could be passed down from generation to generation, although it did not account for how traits could disappear or reappear in later generations.
The theory of blending inheritance was also appealing because it fit with the prevailing worldview of the time, which emphasized harmony and balance in nature. It seemed to suggest that the offspring of two parents would be a harmonious blend of their traits, rather than a random assortment of genes.
However, the theory of blending inheritance was eventually disproven by the work of scientists such as Gregor Mendel, who discovered the principles of genetic inheritance through his experiments with pea plants. Mendel's work showed that traits were not simply blended together, but were instead passed down through discrete units called genes. This discovery paved the way for the modern science of genetics, which has provided a much more accurate and detailed understanding of heredity.