The study of heredity and how characteristics are passed from one generation to another by the means of genes, is called genetics. The founding father of this science was a biologist (who also happened to be a monk) by the name of Gregor Johann Mendel (1822 to 1884). Mendel discovered the fundamental laws of inheritance, following an eight year study of the Pea flower (Pisum sativum).
Genes influence every aspect of an organisms characteristics; from what it eats, what colour it is, its behaviour, to what it ultimately looks like. Qualities which give an individual its characteristics, are inherited from both the male and female.
Before we try and unravel the intricacies of genetics, it is important we understand a few basic terms which are inherent to understanding what genetics is all about.
• DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA is a double helix-shaped strand of coded material containing all the instructions which determine the structure and functions of every cell, as well as being responsible for passing on characteristics from parents to off-spring.
• Gene. This is a segment of DNA which carries the blueprint to control a cells physical characteristics, growth and development. It is ultimately responsible for a particular characteristic of an organism. A gene is mostly located on the same chromosome type, so each cell has two copies of a gene; these can be equal, or two different ones.
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How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
Reflecting on how much the humble hen has helped people world wide plus advice on stopping the scourge of red mite
Give your hens some support
Paul Donovan looks at the right and wrong ways of handling birds
