Question

Under which circumstance does Mendel’s principle of independent assortment hold? a. only when there is crossing over b. only when traits are tightly linked (close together) on the same chromosome c. only when traits are on different chromosomes d. only when the traits are not influenced by selection

Answer 1

c

Step-by-step explanation:

Mendel's principle of independent assortment holds only when traits are on different chromosomes.

The independent assortment principle states that genes assort independently of one another. In order words, traits are independently inherited by offspring from parents. For example, the trait for eye color is independently inherited from skin color, height is independently inherited from feet size, and etc.

This principle only holds true when genes are located far away from one another on the same chromosome or when they are on different chromosomes entirely. Once genes are close to one another on the same chromosome, they become linked together and no longer independently inherited.

The correct option is c.