Question

Inbreeding in cross pollinated crops increases due to:

• A. Homozygosity
• B. Heterozygosity
• C. Polyploidy
• D. Population mean

Hint:

Inbreeding:
- Increases homozygosity.
- Decreases heterozygosity.
- Results in inbreeding depression in cross-pollinated crops.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question tests knowledge of inbreeding and its effects.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Inbreeding (selfing or mating between close relatives) increases homozygosity.
In cross-pollinated crops, inbreeding leads to a loss of heterozygosity.
Inbreeding depression occurs due to the expression of deleterious recessive alleles.
Thus, inbreeding increases homozygosity.
Option B (Heterozygosity) is incorrect; inbreeding decreases heterozygosity.
Option C (Polyploidy) and D (Population mean) are not directly related.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, inbreeding increases homozygosity, which corresponds to option (A).
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