To prove theory of mutation, Hugo de Vries used ________ plant.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

CUET Biology 23rd Aug 2022 Official Paper

Answer 1

Key Points

In 1901, Hugo de Vries proposed the Mutation Theory to explain the mechanism of evolution.
According to this theory, evolution is a process where new species are formed by mutations.
The theory is based on his observation of evening primrose (Oenothera lamarckiana).
He studied the wild type of this plant species for many years and observed spontaneous changes in some of the wild varieties.
He observed that the changes were heritable that led to several new varieties.
Some of the salient features of his theory were:
- Mutations cause evolution.
- Mutations are random and directionless.
- Single large-step mutations called saltation cause speciation.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Additional Information

Snap dragon or Antirrhinum - This is also known as the dog flower and was used to show incomplete dominance of flower colour.
Pisum sativum - was the model organism of Gregor Mendel, for his Laws of Inheritance.