Final answer:
A classic Mendelian pattern of inheritance refers to traits being passed following Mendel’s laws, specifically the law of independent assortment and the law of segregation, as shown in dihybrid and monohybrid crosses.
Step-by-step explanation:
A classic Mendelian pattern of inheritance is illustrated by the dihybrid crosses performed by Gregor Mendel. Through these experiments involving two traits, such as pea color and shape, Mendel discovered that each trait is inherited independently according to the law of independent assortment. This law is a key principle in Mendel's theory and applies to the transmission of human traits, like blood type and genetic disorders. Human blood types exhibit Mendelian inheritance, where the presence of the A allele or B allele determines the phenotype, and O is recessive to both A and B. Remarkably, codominance is also observed when both A and B alleles are present, resulting in the AB phenotype.
In one of his classic experiments, Mendel crossed true-breeding violet and white flowers, and the F₂ generation showed a 3:1 ratio of violet to white flowers. The patterns of a monohybrid cross further affirm that traits are passed from parents to offspring following Mendel’s first law—the law of segregation.