Based on the information provided, we can analyze the genetic crosses involving the tall pea plants. The first cross between a tall pea plant and a short pea plant resulted in all tall offspring. This indicates that the tall trait is dominant over the short trait. We can denote tall as "T" (dominant) and short as "t" (recessive).
Since the first cross involves a tall parent and a short parent, we can assume the tall parent is homozygous dominant (TT) or heterozygous (Tt). However, since the offspring are all tall, we can deduce that the tall parent is likely heterozygous (Tt), as a homozygous dominant (TT) would produce only tall offspring.
In the next cross, the Punnett square shows two tall offspring (both Tt) being crossed:
T t
------------
T | TT | Tt |
------------
t | Tt | tt |
From this Punnett square, we can see the possible genotypes of the offspring:
- 1 TT (homozygous tall)
- 2 Tt (heterozygous tall)
- 1 tt (homozygous short)
This results in a 3:1 ratio of tall to short offspring:
- 3 tall (TT or Tt)
- 1 short (tt)
Based on this information, the correct conclusion is:
Tall pea plants can carry the short trait and create some tall and short offspring.
This is because while the tall offspring appear tall (due to the dominance of the T allele), they can still be carriers of the short trait (t allele).