Why do offspring of a mouse still have tails even after the mouse tail is cut?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Because cutting the tail is an acquired change and does not change genes
The governing concept is that an acquired physical change is different from a heritable genetic change. Cutting the mouse’s tail affects its body after birth, but it does not normally change the genes in its sperm or eggs. The offspring therefore receive the usual genetic instructions for tail development and can grow tails. Option A is correct; B reverses the genetic effect, C is false because offspring have chromosomes, and D incorrectly treats development as purely environmental.
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What is the correct answer to this question?
Because cutting the tail is an acquired change and does not change genes
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is that an acquired physical change is different from a heritable genetic change. Cutting the mouse’s tail affects its body after birth, but it does not normally change the genes in its sperm or eggs. The offspring therefore receive the usual genetic instructions for tail development and can grow tails. Option A is correct; B reverses the genetic effect, C is false because offspring have chromosomes, and D incorrectly treats development as purely environmental.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: World of Living. Topic: Heredity and Evolution.
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