What is the blending theory of inheritance?

• A. The theory that genetic traits are passed on through discrete units called genes.
• B. The hypothesis that environmental factors solely determine inherited traits.
• C. The idea that offspring are a mix of parental traits, resulting in a uniform blend.
• D. The concept that traits are inherited independently and do not blend.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the blending theory of inheritance is an outdated concept in genetics.
2. Recognize that this theory suggested offspring are a uniform blend of parental traits, similar to mixing paints.
3. Note that this theory implied that genetic material from parents mixes in a way that cannot be separated in future generations.
4. Acknowledge that modern genetics, through Mendel's work, has shown that traits are inherited through discrete units called genes, not through blending.
5. Realize that the blending theory was replaced by Mendelian inheritance, which explains how traits are passed on through dominant and recessive alleles.