Question

Describe in brief about advantages of cross-pollination.

Hint:

Cross-pollination = more variation, better adaptability, hybrid vigour. Self-pollination = purity of traits but less variation.

Answer 1

Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower of the same species. It is mainly brought about by agents such as wind, water, insects, and animals. Advantages of cross-pollination: \begin{enumerate} \item Genetic variation: Produces new combinations of traits, increasing adaptability. \item Eliminates defective traits: Recessive harmful mutations are masked by dominant healthy alleles. \item Hybrid vigour: Offspring are more vigorous, disease-resistant, and better yielding. \item Evolutionary significance: Increases diversity, which drives evolution of new varieties. \end{enumerate} Conclusion.
Cross-pollination ensures survival, adaptability, and improvement of plant species.