In a dihybrid cross, what is one example of traits that assort independently?

• A. Seed color and pit size
• B. Hight and weight
• C. Flower color and leaf shape
• D. Seed shape and seed color

Answer: (D)

The correct choice involves seed shape and seed color, which are traits commonly studied in genetics and exemplify independent assortment. In a dihybrid cross, two different traits are examined simultaneously, and the principle of independent assortment states that alleles for different traits segregate independently of one another during gamete formation.

In the case of seed shape and seed color, the genes responsible for these traits are located on different chromosomes or far apart on the same chromosome, allowing for their alleles to assort independently. This means that the inheritance of a particular shape allele does not influence the inheritance of a color allele, resulting in a variety of combinations in the offspring.

Understanding that traits assort independently is crucial for predicting the outcomes of dihybrid crosses, as it leads to a phenotypic ratio of 9:3:3:1 in the F2 generation of typical dihybrid crosses when crossing two heterozygous parents.