The garden/edible pea (pisum sativum) was selected by mendel for his experiments for reason/s that

Options

A. many varieties are available with observable alternative forms for a trait
B. it is usually cross pollinated
C. it is a perennial plant
D. all are correct

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Introduction to Mendel and Pea Plant**: Gregor Mendel, known as the father of genetics, selected the garden pea (Pisum sativum) for his experiments on inheritance patterns.

2. **Variety of Traits**: One of the primary reasons Mendel chose Pisum sativum is that it has many varieties with observable traits. This allowed him to study how traits are passed from one generation to the next.

3. **Self-Pollination**: The pea plant is predominantly self-pollinating. This characteristic enabled Mendel to control the breeding process and ensure that he was studying specific traits without the complications of cross-pollination.

4. **Annual Plant**: Pisum sativum is an annual plant, which means it completes its life cycle in one growing season. This allows for multiple generations to be observed in a relatively short period, making it easier to study inheritance patterns.

5. **Short Generation Time**: The short generation time of the pea plant means that Mendel could quickly observe the results of his experiments and gather data on the inheritance of traits.

6. **Conclusion**: In summary, Mendel selected the garden pea (Pisum sativum) for his experiments due to its variety of observable traits, its ability to self-pollinate, its status as an annual plant, and its short generation time.