When two pairs of traits are combined in a hybrid, segregation of one pair of characters is independent of the other pair of characters. The statement explains which of the following laws/principles of Mendel ?

Options

A. (a) Principle of paired factors
B. (b) Principle of dominance
C. (c) Law of segregation
D. (d) Law of independent assortment

Explanation

To solve the question, we need to identify which of Mendel's laws or principles is being described by the statement regarding the segregation of traits in a hybrid.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Statement**: The statement mentions that when two pairs of traits are combined in a hybrid, the segregation of one pair of characters is independent of the other pair. This suggests that the inheritance of one trait does not affect the inheritance of another trait.

2. **Identify Mendel's Laws**: Gregor Mendel proposed several laws regarding inheritance:
- **Law of Segregation**: This law states that during the formation of gametes, the alleles for a trait separate so that each gamete carries only one allele for each trait.
- **Law of Independent Assortment**: This law states that alleles for different traits segregate independently of one another during gamete formation.

3. **Analyze the Given Statement**: The key phrase in the statement is "segregation of one pair of characters is independent of the other pair of characters." This aligns with the Law of Independent Assortment, which emphasizes that the segregation of alleles for one trait does not influence the segregation of alleles for another trait.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the statement clearly describes Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment.

### Final Answer:
The statement explains Mendel's **Law of Independent Assortment**.

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