Mendel did not observe linkage due to

Options

A. Mutation
B. Synapsis
C. Crossing over
D. Independent assortment.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Linkage**:
- Linkage refers to the phenomenon where two or more genes are inherited together because they are located close to each other on the same chromosome. This means that the inheritance of one gene can influence the inheritance of another.

2. **Mendel's Experiments**:
- Gregor Mendel conducted experiments using garden pea plants and focused on seven different traits. These traits were chosen because they exhibited clear dominant and recessive patterns.

3. **Law of Independent Assortment**:
- Mendel formulated the Law of Independent Assortment, which states that alleles for different traits segregate independently during gamete formation. This means that the inheritance of one trait does not affect the inheritance of another trait.

4. **Why Mendel Did Not Observe Linkage**:
- The traits Mendel studied were such that they followed the Law of Independent Assortment. Since the genes for these traits segregated independently, he did not observe any linkage. If linkage were present, it would contradict the independent assortment he observed.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, Mendel did not observe linkage because the traits he selected for his experiments all demonstrated independent assortment, which is contrary to the concept of linkage.

### Final Answer:
Mendel did not observe linkage due to the Law of Independent Assortment, which was evident in the traits he studied in garden pea plants.

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