Question

Inbreeding primarily increases:

• A. Heterozygosity
• B. Homozygosity
• C. Fitness
• D. Mutations

Hint:

Inbreeding ↑ Homozygosity, ↓ Heterozygosity

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
Inbreeding refers to mating between closely related individuals. It has a direct effect on the genetic composition of the population.

Step 1: Understanding Inbreeding

• Occurs when related individuals mate.
• Increases the probability of identical alleles pairing.

Step 2: Genetic Effect

• Leads to increase in homozygous gene combinations.
• Reduces heterozygosity.

Step 3: Consequences

• Expression of harmful recessive genes
• Inbreeding depression

Step 4: Evaluating Options

• Heterozygosity → decreases
• Homozygosity → increases (correct)
• Fitness → generally decreases
• Mutations → not directly affected Final Conclusion: \[ \boxed{\text{Homozygosity}} \]