Question

Select the statements that are true for outbreeding devices in the flowering plants.

[(i)]
• They discourage cross-pollination and ensure self-pollination.
• They are advantageous as they lead to inbreeding depression.
• Self-incompatibility prevents self-pollen from fertilising the ovules.
• To prevent self-pollination in some species pollen release and stigma receptivity are not synchronised.

Choose the correct answer:

• A. (i) and (ii)
• B. (ii) and (iii)
• C. (iii) and (iv)
• D. (i) and (iv)

Hint:

Outbreeding devices ensure genetic diversity by preventing self-pollination through self-incompatibility and temporal separation of pollen release and stigma receptivity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Statement (i) is incorrect because outbreeding devices promote cross-pollination, not self-pollination. Statement (ii) is incorrect as outbreeding helps prevent inbreeding depression. Statement (iii) is true – self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism to prevent self-fertilization. Statement (iv) is true – in some plants, the timing of pollen release and stigma receptivity is mismatched to avoid self-pollination.