Genetics Quiz: Test Your Knowledge Of Heredity And Traits

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Genetics Quiz: Test Your Knowledge Of Heredity And Traits - Quiz

Are you ready to dive into the intriguing world of genetics? Our Genetics Quiz is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of key concepts in heredity and traits. This quiz features a variety of questions covering essential topics such as Mendelian inheritance, dominant and recessive traits, genotype vs. Phenotype, and the significance of Punnett squares.

Each question is crafted to challenge your comprehension and deepen your understanding of how traits are passed down through generations. Take the Genetics Quiz today and see how much you truly know about the building blocks of life! With instant feedback and explanations, you’ll Read morewalk away with a greater appreciation for the science of genetics.


Genetics Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    Mendel obtained plants that were true-breeding for particular traits by...

    • A.

      Growing plants from seed of other plants that displayed traits.

    • B.

      Discarding plants that showed other traits.

    • C.

      Allowing plants to self-pollinate for several generations.

    • D.

      Allowing plants to self-pollinate for one generation.

    Correct Answer
    C. Allowing plants to self-pollinate for several generations.
    Explanation
    Mendel obtained plants that were true-breeding for particular traits by allowing plants to self-pollinate for several generations. This process ensured that the offspring inherited the same traits as the parent plants, resulting in plants that were consistently true-breeding for those traits. By allowing self-pollination for multiple generations, Mendel could establish a stable line of plants with the desired traits.

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  • 2. 

    When Mendel crossed a strain of tall pea plants with a strain of short pea plants, he observed that all of the plant in the F1 generation were tall. This suggests that...

    • A.

      A tall trait was controlled by a dominant factor

    • B.

      A short trait was controlled by a dominant factor

    • C.

      Both traits were controlled by a recessive factor

    • D.

      Strain of short plants was not capable of pollinating tall plants

    Correct Answer
    A. A tall trait was controlled by a dominant factor
    Explanation
    When Mendel crossed a strain of tall pea plants with a strain of short pea plants and observed that all of the plants in the F1 generation were tall, it suggests that the tall trait was controlled by a dominant factor. This means that the allele for tall plants is dominant over the allele for short plants. Since all the plants in the F1 generation were tall, it indicates that the dominant allele for tallness masked the presence of the recessive allele for shortness in this generation.

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  • 3. 

    The F1 generation consists of the offspring of a cross between...

    • A.

      One parent and one offspring

    • B.

      One parent and F2 offspring

    • C.

      Two parents

    • D.

      Two parents and one F1 offspring

    Correct Answer
    C. Two parents
    Explanation
    The F1 generation is the first filial generation that results from the cross between two parental organisms. In Mendelian genetics, this generation is produced by mating individuals from two different pure-breeding lines, each exhibiting distinct traits. The offspring in the F1 generation inherit one allele from each parent, resulting in a hybrid phenotype that may exhibit traits from one or both parents, depending on which traits are dominant.

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  • 4. 

    A cross between pure-breeding green-podded pea plant and a homozygous yellow-pod pea plant produces only green-podded plants. When the F1 generation is allowed to self-pollinate, the F2 generation consists of:

    • A.

      Only green-podded plants

    • B.

      Only yellow-podded plants

    • C.

      75% green-podded plants and 25% yellow-podded plants

    • D.

      50% yellow-podded plants and 50% green-podded plants

    • E.

      85% light green podded plants and 15% dark green podded plants

    Correct Answer
    C. 75% green-podded plants and 25% yellow-podded plants
    Explanation
    The given answer suggests that the F2 generation consists of 75% green-podded plants and 25% yellow-podded plants. This can be explained by understanding the principles of Mendelian genetics. When pure-breeding green-podded pea plants are crossed with homozygous yellow-podded pea plants, the F1 generation will all be heterozygous for pod color (Gg). Since green is dominant over yellow, all the F1 plants will have green pods. When the F1 generation self-pollinates, the possible genotypes in the F2 generation are GG, Gg, and gg. The genotype GG will result in green pods, Gg will also result in green pods due to the dominance of green, and gg will result in yellow pods. Therefore, 75% of the F2 plants will have green pods (GG and Gg) and 25% will have yellow pods (gg).

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  • 5. 

    The appearance of an organism is called_____.

    • A.

      Genotype

    • B.

      Phenotype

    • C.

      Genotypic ratio

    • D.

      Phenotypic ratio

    • E.

      Homozygous phenotype

    • F.

      Heterozygous genotype

    Correct Answer
    B. pHenotype
    Explanation
    The appearance of an organism is called its phenotype. This refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, such as its physical features, behavior, or any other observable traits. The phenotype is determined by the interaction between an organism's genotype (its genetic makeup) and its environment. It is the result of the expression of specific genes and their interaction with the environment during development.

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  • 6. 

    _____ is the passing of traits from parents to their offspring.

    • A.

      Heredity

    • B.

      Genetics

    • C.

      Alleles

    • D.

      Law of Segregation

    • E.

      Monohybrid Cross

    Correct Answer
    A. Heredity
    Explanation
    Heredity is the correct answer because it refers to the passing of traits from parents to their offspring. It involves the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next, determining the characteristics and traits that an individual inherits from their parents. Heredity is a fundamental concept in biology and plays a crucial role in understanding how traits are passed down through generations.

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  • 7. 

    Genetics is the branch of biology that studies heredity.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Genetics is indeed the branch of biology that focuses on the study of heredity. It involves the examination of genes, DNA, and how traits are passed down from one generation to another. By studying genetics, scientists can better understand how traits and characteristics are inherited and can potentially predict and prevent certain genetic diseases. Therefore, the statement "Genetics is the branch of biology that studies heredity" is true.

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  • 8. 

    _____ _____ is a cross that considers one pair of contrasting traits.

    • A.

      Monohybrid cross

    • B.

      Dihybrid Cross

    • C.

      Trihybrid Cross

    • D.

      Incomplete Cross

    • E.

      Allele Cross

    Correct Answer
    A. Monohybrid cross
    Explanation
    A monohybrid cross is a type of genetic cross that involves the study of one pair of contrasting traits. It focuses on the inheritance of a single characteristic or gene. In this type of cross, the parents differ in only one trait, such as flower color or seed shape. By studying the offspring of this cross, scientists can determine how the trait is inherited and understand the principles of Mendelian genetics.

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  • 9. 

    _____ occurrs when all the offspring display only one form of a particular trait.

    • A.

      Heredity

    • B.

      True-breeding

    • C.

      Cross-breeding

    • D.

      Codominance breeding

    Correct Answer
    B. True-breeding
    Explanation
    True-breeding occurs when all the offspring display only one form of a particular trait. This means that when two true-breeding individuals with the same form of a trait are crossed, their offspring will also have the same form of the trait. True-breeding is a result of homozygosity, where both alleles for a specific trait are the same. This ensures that the trait will be consistently passed down from generation to generation without any variation.

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  • 10. 

    _____ is the first two individuals crossed in a breeding experiment.

    • A.

      F 1 Generation

    • B.

      F 2 Generation

    • C.

      P Generation

    • D.

      F Generation

    • E.

      O Generation

    Correct Answer
    C. P Generation
    Explanation
    The P generation refers to the parental generation in a breeding experiment, where the first two individuals are crossed to produce offspring. This generation is crucial as it sets the foundation for subsequent generations and determines the inheritance patterns of traits. The P generation is often used to establish the genotype and phenotype of the parent individuals and to study the transmission of traits to the offspring in subsequent generations.

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  • 11. 

    F 2, generation is the offspring of the P generation.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    False. The F2 generation refers to the second filial generation and is actually produced by crossing two individuals from the F1 generation, which is the direct offspring of the P generation (parental generation). The P generation consists of the original true-breeding parents, and their offspring (F1) can then be crossed to produce the F2 generation. This distinction is crucial for understanding inheritance patterns and how traits can reappear in subsequent generations.

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  • 12. 

    F 1, generation is the offspring of the P generation.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The F1 generation refers to the first filial generation, which is the offspring of the parental (P) generation. It is formed through the process of sexual reproduction, where genetic material from both parents is combined to create a new generation. Therefore, the statement that the F1 generation is the offspring of the P generation is true.

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  • 13. 

    F 2, generation is the offspring of the F 1 generation.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The F2 generation is indeed the offspring of the F1 generation. In genetics, F1 refers to the first filial generation, which is the result of crossing two parental generations. The F2 generation is then produced by crossing individuals from the F1 generation. This allows for the observation of genetic traits and variations in subsequent generations. So, the statement is true.

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  • 14. 

    _____ are different versions of a gene.

    • A.

      Alleles

    • B.

      Phenotype

    • C.

      Dominant

    • D.

      Incomplete dominance

    • E.

      Heredity

    Correct Answer
    A. Alleles
    Explanation
    Alleles are different versions of a gene. Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for the development and functioning of an organism. Alleles are alternative forms of a gene that can occupy the same locus or position on a chromosome. They can vary in their nucleotide sequence, resulting in different traits or characteristics. Alleles can be dominant or recessive, and they determine the phenotype or physical appearance of an organism. In summary, alleles are the different versions of a gene that contribute to genetic diversity and determine the traits of an organism.

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  • 15. 

    _____ is a factor (gene) that masks or covers another form of a trait.

    • A.

      Dominant

    • B.

      Recessive

    • C.

      Allele condition

    • D.

      Monohybrid Cross

    • E.

      Self-Pollination

    Correct Answer
    A. Dominant
    Explanation
    In genetics, a dominant gene is one that is expressed and masks the presence of another form of a trait, known as a recessive gene. This means that if an individual has one copy of the dominant gene, it will be expressed in their phenotype, regardless of whether they also have a copy of the recessive gene. The dominant gene "dominates" over the recessive gene, hence the name. Therefore, the correct answer is Dominant.

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  • 16. 

    _____ traits are not expressed when the dominant form of the trait is present.

    • A.

      Genotype

    • B.

      Recessive

    • C.

      Phenotype

    • D.

      Law of independent assortment

    Explanation
    Recessive traits are not expressed when the dominant form of the trait is present. This is because recessive traits require both alleles to be recessive in order to be expressed. In the presence of a dominant allele, the dominant form of the trait will be expressed instead. Genotype refers to the combination of alleles an individual possesses, while phenotype refers to the physical expression of traits. The Law of Independent Assortment states that different traits are inherited independently of each other.

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  • 17. 

    Calculate the ratio of pod color using 428 green pods and 152 yellow pods.

    • A.

      2.84 : 1

    • B.

      2.81 : 2

    • C.

      3.01 : 1

    • D.

      2.81 : 1

    • E.

      3.14 : 1

    Correct Answer
    D. 2.81 : 1
    Explanation
    To find the ratio of green pods to yellow pods, you divide the number of green pods (428) by the number of yellow pods (152). This calculation gives you approximately 2.81:1, meaning that for every 2.81 green pods, there is 1 yellow pod. This ratio reflects the expected Mendelian inheritance patterns, where the dominant green pod trait is expressed more frequently than the recessive yellow pod trait.

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  • 18. 

    Calculate the ratio of flower color using 705 purple flowers and 224 white flowers.

    • A.

      2.84 : 1

    • B.

      2.81 : 2

    • C.

      3.01 : 1

    • D.

      2.81 : 1

    • E.

      3.15 : 1

    Correct Answer
    E. 3.15 : 1
    Explanation
    To calculate the ratio of purple flowers to white flowers, divide the number of purple flowers (705) by the number of white flowers (224). This simplifies to approximately 3.15:1, indicating that for every 3.15 purple flowers, there is 1 white flower. This ratio supports Mendel's laws of inheritance, illustrating how dominant traits (purple flowers) can be expressed more frequently than their recessive counterparts (white flowers) in the offspring.

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  • 19. 

    What is the name of the diagram that predicts the outcomes of a genetic cross?

    • A.

      Molecular Genetics

    • B.

      Mendel's Square

    • C.

      Punnett Square

    • D.

      Genotypic Ratio Square

    Correct Answer
    C. Punnett Square
    Explanation
    A Punnett Square is a diagram used in genetics to predict the outcomes of a genetic cross. It is named after Reginald Punnett, a British geneticist, who developed this tool in the early 20th century. The Punnett Square allows scientists to visualize the possible combinations of alleles from the parents and determine the probability of different genotypes and phenotypes in the offspring. It is a valuable tool in understanding and studying inheritance patterns and genetic traits.

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  • 20. 

    Please choose the correct homozygous genotype for Pisum sativum L.

    • A.

      [TT]

    • B.

      [Tt]

    • C.

      [GGg]

    • D.

      [PPpp]

    Correct Answer
    A. [TT]
    Explanation
    The correct homozygous genotype for Pisum sativum L. is [TT]. This means that both alleles for the trait in question are the same, in this case, both alleles are "T". Homozygous genotypes are often referred to as purebred or true-breeding because they will always produce offspring with the same trait.

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  • 21. 

    _____, when the two alleles of a particular gene are the same.

    • A.

      Genotype

    • B.

      Phenotype

    • C.

      Dominant

    • D.

      Homozygous

    • E.

      Heterozygous

    • F.

      Recessive

    Correct Answer
    D. Homozygous
    Explanation
    The term homozygous is used to describe an individual that has two identical alleles for a specific gene. This condition can be represented as either homozygous dominant (both alleles are the same and dominant) or homozygous recessive (both alleles are the same and recessive). Individuals that are homozygous for a trait will produce offspring with the same trait consistently, leading to uniformity in the physical characteristics observed in their offspring.

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  • 22. 

    _____, when the two alleles of a particular gene are the different.

    • A.

      Genotype

    • B.

      Phenotype

    • C.

      Dominant

    • D.

      Homozygous

    • E.

      Heterozygous

    • F.

      Recessive

    Correct Answer
    E. Heterozygous
    Explanation
    Heterozygous refers to the condition when an individual carries two different alleles of a particular gene. This means that the organism inherits one allele from each parent, resulting in a genotype that is a combination of both alleles. Heterozygosity often leads to the expression of the dominant allele in the phenotype, while the recessive allele remains hidden. Therefore, in a heterozygous genotype, the individual may not exhibit the traits associated with the recessive allele.

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  • 23. 

    Genotype is a set of alleles that an individual has for a selected characteristic.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    A genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an individual, specifically the combination of alleles they possess for a particular trait. Alleles are alternative forms of a gene that determine the variations in traits. Therefore, the statement that genotype is a set of alleles that an individual has for a selected characteristic is true.

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  • 24. 

    _____ is the physical appearance of an organism.

    • A.

      Genotype

    • B.

      Phenotype

    • C.

      Dominant

    • D.

      Homozygous

    • E.

      Heterozygous

    • F.

      Recessive

    Correct Answer
    B. pHenotype
    Explanation
    Phenotype refers to the physical appearance of an organism. It includes all the observable characteristics such as hair color, eye color, height, and other physical traits. The phenotype is determined by the interaction between an organism's genotype (genetic makeup) and its environment. It is the result of the expression of genes and can be influenced by factors such as nutrition, lifestyle, and exposure to external factors.

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  • 25. 

    A(n)_____ _____ is a cross that considered two pairs of contrasting traits.

    • A.

      Monohybrid Cross

    • B.

      Molecule Cross

    • C.

      Genotypic Ratio Cross

    • D.

      Dihybrid Cross

    • E.

      Phenotypic Cross

    Correct Answer
    D. Dihybrid Cross
    Explanation
    A dihybrid cross is a cross that considers two pairs of contrasting traits. In this type of cross, the parental organisms differ in two traits, and the offspring will inherit alleles for both traits from each parent. This allows for the examination of the inheritance patterns of two different traits simultaneously.

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  • Current Version
  • Oct 13, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
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    Quiz Created by
    John Mitchell

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