Final answer:
Mendel studied seven traits with distinct phenotypes in pea plants to lay the groundwork for the science of genetics, using monohybrid crosses to track how traits are passed to offspring and to determine patterns of dominance and recessiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gregor Mendel selected seven traits to study in pea plants, which are known for their easily identifiable traits and ability to grow quickly. The seven traits Mendel focused on were plant height, seed texture, seed color, flower color, pea pod size, pea pod color, and flower position.
Each of these traits had two distinct phenotypes, such as round or wrinkled seeds and yellow or green pods. Mendel meticulously recorded the occurrence of these traits through generations, revealing how traits are transmitted from parents to offspring. This set the foundation for the science of genetics.
His approach of using monohybrid crosses and analyzing the traits of more than 28,000 plants led to the discovery of the patterns of dominance and recessiveness.