Question:

Which one of the following statements is FALSE?

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Remember that conifers are almost exclusively diploid. Polyploidy is a major evolutionary mechanism in angiosperms (hardwoods) but is extremely rare in conifers.
  • Polyploidy is more common in coniferous than hardwoods
  • In hardwoods, related mating may result in non-formation of sound seeds
  • Relatedness is commonly seen in natural forest
  • Wood specific gravity and bole straightness are best example for additive genetic variance
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Evaluating this question requires analyzing the cytology, genetics, and reproductive traits of both gymnosperms (conifers/softwoods) and angiosperms (hardwoods).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze each statement to identify the false option:
- Statement (A): "Polyploidy is more common in coniferous than hardwoods." This is cytologically false. The vast majority of conifers are strictly diploid ($2n = 2x = 24$), and polyploidy is extremely rare in gymnosperms. In contrast, polyploidy is very common in angiosperm hardwoods (e.g., species of Betula, Populus, and Salix). This makes Statement (A) the correct answer.
- Statement (B): "In hardwoods, related mating may result in non-formation of sound seeds." This is true. Mating between closely related individuals (inbreeding) often triggers self-incompatibility mechanisms or increases homozygosity for lethal recessive alleles, leading to early embryo abortion and empty or unsound seeds.
- Statement (C): "Relatedness is commonly seen in natural forest." This is true. Because seeds often disperse near the parent trees, family clusters of related trees naturally develop within the same forest stand.
- Statement (D): "Wood specific gravity and bole straightness are best example for additive genetic variance." This is true. These commercial wood quality traits show high narrow-sense heritability, meaning they are primarily controlled by additive gene action.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The false statement is: "Polyploidy is more common in coniferous than hardwoods."
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