Which one of the following did experiments with pea plants and found that pea plant has some traits which come in pairs - such as rough or smooth, tall or short, yellow or green etc. ?

Correct Option: Gregor Johann Mendel

Explanation:

Gregor Johann Mendel was an Austrian monk and biologist often referred to as the "Father of Modern Genetics." In the mid-19th century, he conducted pioneer experiments on garden pea plants (Pisum sativum).

During his experiments, Mendel discovered that pea plants possessed distinct traits that appeared in contrasting pairs, such as:

• Seed shape: Rough (wrinkled) or Smooth
• Seed color: Yellow or Green
• Plant height: Tall or Short (dwarf)

Through careful cross-breeding and statistical analysis over several generations, Mendel established the fundamental laws of inheritance (such as the Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment).

Overview of other options:

• Dr. M.S. Swaminathan: Known as the "Father of the Green Revolution in India" for his role in introducing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice.
• George Mestral: The Swiss electrical engineer who invented Velcro after observing burr seeds clinging to his dog's fur.
• Charles Darwin: The English naturalist famous for formulating the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Hence, the correct answer is Gregor Johann Mendel.