Mendel experimented with pea plants and discovered that particular traits are inherited from one generation to the next. Through his research and experimentation, Mendel discovered that traits are passed on through gene pairs. By cross breeding seven characteristics found in pea plants, Mendel found that some traits are "stronger" or dominant over "weaker" or recessive genes. This accounts for the reason why certain traits will disappear for a generation or two and then reappear.

Mendel's work led to the study of genetics as a science. Scientists now know that genes, or" Mendel's factors", for different traits are found on chromosomes, and the probability for getting a particular trait can easily be calculated by using a Punnett square