To understand independent assortment, it’s essential to know that it refers to the way different genes independently separate from one another when reproductive cells develop. Among the options provided, the correct answer is:
a) A tall pea plant is no more or less likely to have round seeds than a dwarf pea plant.
This statement illustrates independent assortment as it suggests that the height of the pea plant (tall or dwarf) does not influence the type of seeds (round or wrinkled) it produces. The traits are inherited independently of each other, consistent with Mendel’s principles of inheritance. In contrast, options b and c suggest relationships or likelihoods that imply some traits may be linked or inherited together, which does not align with the definition of independent assortment.