Question

Which one of the following is NOT an advantage of inbreeding?

• A. It exposes harmful recessive genes that are eliminated by selection.
• B. Elimination of less desirable genes and accumulation of superior genes takes place due to it
• C. It decreases the productivity of inbred population, after continuous inbreeding.
• D. It decreases homozygosity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Inbreeding is a genetic practice that involves mating closely related individuals. This biological process has several implications, particularly affecting gene expression and characteristics within a population. Here, we will explore which statement is NOT an advantage of inbreeding, among the given options.

• Exposes harmful recessive genes that are eliminated by selection: Inbreeding can lead to the expression of recessive alleles, some of which may be harmful. Once expressed, these harmful genes can be targeted and eliminated through selective breeding.
• Elimination of less desirable genes and accumulation of superior genes: This is one of the benefits of inbreeding, as it can help in fixing desired traits and accumulating beneficial genes over generations.
• Decreases the productivity of inbred population, after continuous inbreeding: One of the drawbacks of inbreeding is inbreeding depression, which can reduce the overall fitness and productivity of a population due to the increased expression of recessive deleterious alleles.
• Decreases homozygosity: Inbreeding actually increases homozygosity because mating between genetically similar individuals results in offspring with more homozygous gene pairs.

The option "It decreases the productivity of inbred population, after continuous inbreeding" highlights a disadvantage as it pertains to inbreeding depression, thus it is not an advantage of inbreeding.

Answer 2

The process of mating between closely related individuals, species, or breeds is known as inbreeding. Retaining favourable traits and getting rid of undesirable ones can be achieved through inbreeding. It has several advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

1. It exposes harmful recessive genes that are weeded out by selection.
2. Less favorable genes are eliminated, and more favorable genes are accepted.
3. It reduces the homozygosity.

Disadvantages:

1. Fertility and productivity are decreased by persistent inbreeding.
2. Causes inbreeding depression, or a decline in a population's biological fitness among its members.

So, the correct option is (C): It decreases the productivity of inbred population, after continuous inbreeding.