Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Inbreeding depression is the loss of vigour and fertility due to homozygosity of deleterious recessive alleles.
Statement II: Inbreeding depression is due to loss of vigour and fertility due to heterozygosity of recessive alleles.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

Inbreeding depression:
- Caused by homozygosity of deleterious recessive alleles.
- Reduced vigour and fertility.
- Opposite of heterosis (hybrid vigour).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question tests knowledge of inbreeding depression.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement I:
Inbreeding depression is the loss of vigour and fertility due to homozygosity of deleterious recessive alleles.
This is correct. Inbreeding increases homozygosity, exposing deleterious recessive alleles.
Statement II:
Inbreeding depression is NOT due to heterozygosity.
Heterozygosity is beneficial (hybrid vigour).
This statement is false.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Statement I is correct but Statement II is false, which corresponds to option (C).
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