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When tall (dominant) and short (recessive) plants are crossed and both tall and short offspring are produced, it demonstrates which law?
Law of Independent Assortment
Law of Segregation
Law of Dominance
Law of Genetic Variation
The correct answer is: Law of Segregation
The scenario described, where crossing tall (dominant) and short (recessive) plants results in offspring that exhibit both traits, is a clear demonstration of the Law of Segregation. This law, proposed by Gregor Mendel, states that alleles segregate (separate) during the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells). As a result, each gamete carries only one allele for each trait. In the case of the tall and short plants, when they are crossed, the offspring inherit one allele from each parent. Some offspring may inherit the dominant allele for tallness, resulting in tall plants, while others may inherit the recessive allele for shortness, producing short plants. This outcome shows that each trait is passed independently, illustrating that the alleles for tallness and shortness segregate during reproduction, allowing for the possibility of both phenotypes appearing in the offspring. Understanding this concept is crucial, as it lays the foundation for genetic inheritance patterns in offspring.