According to Mendel, _______ is the degree by which progeny differ from their parents

Options

A. Inheritance
B. Heredity
C. Variation
D. Mutation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the term used by Mendel to describe the degree of difference between progeny and their parents. This is a key concept in genetics and inheritance.

2. **Identifying the Context**: Mendel's work primarily focused on the inheritance patterns in pea plants (Pisum sativum) and how traits are passed from parents to offspring. He studied both asexual and sexual reproduction.

3. **Differentiating Reproduction Types**:
- **Asexual Reproduction**: Involves a single parent, leading to progeny that are genetically identical to the parent (clones). There is no variation in this mode.
- **Sexual Reproduction**: Involves two parents (male and female), resulting in offspring that are genetically different from either parent due to the combination of genetic material.

4. **Understanding Variation**:
- In sexual reproduction, the process of meiosis leads to genetic recombination. During meiosis, crossing over occurs, which mixes the genetic material from both parents. This results in progeny that exhibit variation.
- Variation refers to the differences in traits among individuals, which can be seen not only between parents and progeny but also among individuals in a population.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on Mendel's observations and the definitions provided, the term that best describes the degree by which progeny differ from their parents is **Variation**.

**Final Answer**: According to Mendel, **Variation** is the degree by which progeny differ from their parents.

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