The horse and donkey, though closely related by sharing a common ancestor, are different species. They have different number of chromosomes hence pairing of homologous chromosomes during fusion of gametes becomes complicated. The mule will have an extra chromosome from the horse hence will have abnormalities such as sterility. A Mule is unable to reproduce due to this same phenomenon. Homologous chromosomes are not well paired for meiosis I.
The patellar reflex or knee(j)erk reflex doesn't happen when your leg is straight because the tendon is relaxed. In order for the reflex to be elicited, the tendon must be flexed or stretched.
A constant variable would be an element that remains unchanged and constant throughout the course of the experiment / investigation.
Answer: The scientist will perform another investigation in order to find out the role of certain genes in disease resistance.
Explanation-
As per the information given in the question, a mice having mutation in ear depicts same pattern of resistance when compared to another mice having normal ears. This indicates that the genes responsible for resistance are not related to genes that result in ear formation.
Therefore, to find out the effect of diet on disease resistance in rats, the scientist will perform another investigation in order to find out the role of certain genes in disease resistance.