JAMB - Biology (2025 - No. 14)

Which of the following is an advantage of cross fertilization?
Individuals produced are less adapted to local environment
It leads to the production of healthier offspring.
It leads to inbreeding depression.
It leads to the production of weak offsprings.

Explanation

Cross-fertilization results in genetic recombination and increased genetic diversity (hybrid vigor), which leads to offspring that are generally healthier, more vigorous, and better adapted to environmental changes, including being more resistant to diseases and pests.

A. Individuals produced are less adapted to local environment. This is incorrect. The increased genetic variation from cross-fertilization improves the adaptability of offspring to a changing environment, which in the long run makes the species more resilient and better suited for survival. Lack of diversity (as in continuous self-pollination) makes a population less able to adapt.

C. It leads to inbreeding depression. This is incorrect. Cross-fertilization actually avoids or reduces inbreeding depression, which is a decline in fitness and vigor that occurs with continuous self-pollination or mating between closely related individuals.

D. It leads to the production of weak offsprings. This is incorrect. As mentioned, cross-fertilization produces stronger and healthier offspring due to hybrid vigor and a wider range of genetic traits. Weak offspring are more characteristic of prolonged self-pollination/inbreeding.

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