Question: 175 Which one of the following is NOT an advantage of inbreeding?
(1) Elimination of less desirable genes and accumulation of superior genes takes place due to it.
(2) It decreases the productivity of inbred population, after continuous inbreeding.
(3) It decreases homozygosity.
(4) It exposes harmful recessive genes that are eliminated by selection.
Answer: Option (2)
Explanation:
Inbreeding refers to mating between closely related individuals.
One of the advantages of inbreeding is that it helps in the elimination of undesirable genes and
accumulation of superior genes through selection.
Inbreeding exposes harmful recessive genes in homozygous condition,
which can then be eliminated by natural or artificial selection.
Inbreeding actually increases homozygosity, not decreases it.
Continuous inbreeding may lead to inbreeding depression,
resulting in reduced productivity and fitness of the population.
Since a decrease in productivity is a disadvantage and not an advantage,
option (2) is the correct answer.