Assume the genes for feather color (red & green) and tail shape (broad & narrow)

Question

Assume the genes for feather color (red & green) and tail shape (broad & narrow) in a tropical parrot are on different chromosomes. When you cross two individuals that are heterozygous for both traits, the offspring display all possible phenotypic combinations (red feathers & broad tail, red feathers & narrow tail, green feathers & broad tail, green feathers & narrow tail). Which of Mendel’s Theories is best illustrated by this cross?


A. Theory of Independent Assortment
B. Theory of Segregation
C. Hardy-Weinberg Theory
D. The second Theory of Thermodynamics
E. none of these is correct

Explanation / Answer

A. Theory of Independent Assortment - This means the alleles are not linked and thus all possible combinations are shown. For example, if red was linked with broad, red and broad would always be inherited together, but the red + narrow offspring contradict this. Because the alleles are on different genes, according to Mendel's theory, they are inherited independently of each other.

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