Self- vs. cross-pollination, Biology

Assignment Help:

Self- vs. Cross-Pollination

A major advantage of self-pollination is its certainty. Continued self-pollination over many generations, however, results in weaker progeny. This is considered to like inbreeding depression. From the evolutionary point of view, self-pollination is a disadvantage as 'there is no scope of genetic recombination. Cross-pollination brings pollen grains from other plants which are genetically different. Genetic heterogeneity is advantageous for the plant in many respects.

The offspring are more vigorous and better adapted for survival even under adverse environmental conditions. Thus cross-pollinated species show wider distribution when compared to self- pollinated species. Thus cross-pollination is favorable for evolution. The main disadvantage of cross-pollination is its uncertainty. It also involves considerable expenditure of resources by the plants as they have to produce an enormous amount of pollen, as compared to self-pollinated plants, to compensate for wastage. Further, when the pollinating agent is an animal, the plant should also provide adequate rewards for the pollinating agent in the form of pollen or nectar.


Related Discussions:- Self- vs. cross-pollination

What is a pigment, What is a pigment?  Scientifically, a chemical that ...

What is a pigment?  Scientifically, a chemical that can impart colour and is insoluble in the solvent in which it is used, is referred to as a 'pigment'. Well, you would agree

Hormones secreted by thyroid gland, Hormone s . The thyroid gland secretes...

Hormone s . The thyroid gland secretes following hormones. Thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine or T 4 )' and tri-iodothyronine or T 3 are secreted by the thyroid follicular cells.

Invertibreats, genral charecter and classificatin of porifera

genral charecter and classificatin of porifera

What is meant by gene expression, What is meant by Gene Expression? The...

What is meant by Gene Expression? The synthesis of protein under the influence of gene is called Gene Expression. All human cells are derived from a single cell, fertilized egg

Demonstrate the cell membrane, While working in the lab, you isolate a cell...

While working in the lab, you isolate a cell from a mouse and a cell from a human and fuse them together to form a live, hybrid cell. You then use an antibody that recognizes all m

What is meant by the expression infant mortality, What is meant by the expr...

What is meant by the expression 'infant mortality'? Infant mortality refers to the number of babies in a population who die at the age of 1 year or less. It is usually express

Explain intergenic, Intergenic: Amongs the two genes; for example intergen...

Intergenic: Amongs the two genes; for example intergenic DNA is the DNA found amongs two genes. The term is frequently used to mean non-functional DNA (or at least DNA with no kno

Explain the role of pancreas in digestion, Role of Pancreas in Digestion ...

Role of Pancreas in Digestion Pancreatic  juices  secreted from  the  pancreas  aid  in  digestion  of  the  food. About 600-800  ml  of  fluid  i.e.  the  pancreatic juice  is

What is the function of the vitellus in the vertebrate egg, Q. What is the ...

Q. What is the function of the vitellus in the vertebrate egg? How are these eggs classified according to the amount of vitellus within them? Vitellus (yolk) is the nutritive m

What are the hormones secreted by the neurohypophysis, What are the hormone...

What are the hormones secreted by the neurohypophysis? What are their respective functions? The neurohypophysis secretes oxytocin and the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Oxytoci

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd