Which of the following reasons best explains why Gregor Mendel chose Pisum sativum for his genetic experiments?
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Correct answer: It self-pollinates naturally but allows easy cross-pollination.
Pisum sativum (garden pea) is ideal because it has distinct, contrasting traits and a short life cycle. Its natural self-pollination ensures true-breeding lines, while easy manual cross-pollination allowed Mendel to perform controlled hybridizations.
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