Why do offspring of mice still have tails even if the tails of parent mice are cut?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Because cutting the tail is an acquired change and does not change reproductive cells
The governing principle is that only heritable genetic changes in reproductive cells are normally transmitted to the next generation. Cutting a mouse’s tail changes its body after birth, but it does not change the DNA in its sperm or eggs. Consequently, the offspring inherit the genetic instructions for developing a tail and usually have tails. Option A is correct; dominance, plant identity, and food alone do not explain inheritance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Because cutting the tail is an acquired change and does not change reproductive cells
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing principle is that only heritable genetic changes in reproductive cells are normally transmitted to the next generation. Cutting a mouse’s tail changes its body after birth, but it does not change the DNA in its sperm or eggs. Consequently, the offspring inherit the genetic instructions for developing a tail and usually have tails. Option A is correct; dominance, plant identity, and food alone do not explain inheritance.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: World of Living. Topic: Heredity and Evolution.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.
