Why does cutting the tail of a mouse not produce tailless offspring?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Because it is an acquired change
The governing concept is that only heritable genetic changes in reproductive cells are normally transmitted to offspring. Cutting a mouse’s tail changes the body during its lifetime, but it does not alter the DNA of the sperm or egg cells that form the next generation. Therefore option A is correct. The cutting does not change genes in the required hereditary sense, a tail is not a chromosome, and offspring are living organisms rather than fossils.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Because it is an acquired change
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is that only heritable genetic changes in reproductive cells are normally transmitted to offspring. Cutting a mouse’s tail changes the body during its lifetime, but it does not alter the DNA of the sperm or egg cells that form the next generation. Therefore option A is correct. The cutting does not change genes in the required hereditary sense, a tail is not a chromosome, and offspring are living organisms rather than fossils.
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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