"Traits are determined by factors (now called genes) that are passed from parents to offspring in discrete units, with one factor from each parent."
Here's why:
* Discrete Units: Mendel realized that traits were not blended together like paint, but rather passed on in distinct units. He called these "factors," which we now know as genes.
* One from Each Parent: He observed that offspring inherit one factor (gene) for each trait from their mother and one from their father. This explains why offspring can inherit different combinations of traits from their parents.
Mendel's work revolutionized our understanding of heredity. His discoveries laid the foundation for modern genetics.
