Which of the following pair of characters studied by Mendel will not show independent assortment?

Options

A. Flower colour and flower position
B. Seed shape and seed colour
C. Plant height and pod shape
D. Plant height and pod colour

Answer

To determine which pair of characters studied by Mendel will not show independent assortment, we need to understand the concept of independent assortment and linkage.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Mendel's Laws**: Mendel proposed three laws of inheritance: the law of dominance, the law of segregation, and the law of independent assortment. The law of independent assortment states that the inheritance of one trait will not affect the inheritance of another trait when genes are located on different chromosomes.

2. **Identify the Characters Studied by Mendel**: Mendel studied seven pairs of contrasting traits in pea plants (Pisum sativum). These traits include seed color, flower color, flower position, pod shape, plant height, pod color, and seed shape.

3. **Locate Genes on Chromosomes**: Mendel's traits are located on different chromosomes. For example:
- Seed color and flower color are on the first chromosome.
- Flower position, pod shape, and plant height are on the fourth chromosome.
- Pod color is on the fifth chromosome.
- Seed shape is on the seventh chromosome.

4. **Determine Linkage**: Genes that are located close to each other on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together, a phenomenon known as linkage. This means they do not assort independently.

5. **Analyze the Options**:
- **Option A**: Flower color and flower position - These are located on different chromosomes.
- **Option B**: Seed shape and seed color - These are also located on different chromosomes.
- **Option C**: Plant height and pod shape - Both are located on the same chromosome (chromosome 4), indicating they may show linkage.
- **Option D**: Plant height and pod color - These are on different chromosomes.

6. **Conclusion**: The pair of characters that will not show independent assortment due to being linked is **plant height and pod shape** (Option C).

### Final Answer:
**C. Plant height and pod shape**