Question

Continued self pollination results in

• A. Continued self pollination results in
• B. Inbreeding depression
• C. Gametes loose vigour
• D. Self incompatibility

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Inbreeding depression

Answer 2

Option B Inbreeding depression is the correct answer.

Explanation of Autogamy and Inbreeding:

In plants, autogamy transfers pollen grains to stigma within the same flower. This is similar to self-pollination and another concept called inbreeding. To ensure autogamy, plants have developed certain adaptations like:

• Bisexuality
• Homogamy
• Cleistogamy

Autogamy may be useful for plants where it does not require pollinating agents, and also the plants do not need to produce costly nectar and fragrances to attract pollinating agents. However, since there is no random mating as the flowers are self-pollinated, this reduces the chances of genetic variability.

The concept of breeding is common in animal husbandry practices. In plants, inbreeding is a process in which mating is allowed among similar breeds having common ancestors for at least 4-6 generations. This increases the homozygosity of the race. Due to inbreeding depression,**** plants lose their chances of variations, and thus the race is lost soon in the near future. Random mating is essential from the point of evolutionary aspects.