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Ch. 38 - Flowering Plant Reproduction and Development
All textbooksFreeman 8th EditionCh. 38 - Flowering Plant Reproduction and DevelopmentProblem 6
Chapter 37, Problem 6

What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-fertilization versus those of outcrossing?

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Self-fertilization involves a single individual providing both gametes for reproduction, leading to a high degree of genetic similarity between parent and offspring. This can be advantageous in stable environments where the parent's traits are well-suited to survival, as it ensures those successful traits are passed on directly.
However, self-fertilization can also lead to inbreeding depression, where the accumulation of deleterious alleles causes reduced fitness in the population. This is a significant disadvantage as it can lead to a lack of genetic diversity, making the population more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes.
Outcrossing, or cross-fertilization, involves two individuals contributing gametes, which increases genetic diversity. This genetic variation is beneficial for adapting to changing environments and resisting evolving pathogens and diseases, thus potentially increasing the survival and reproduction success of offspring.
A disadvantage of outcrossing is that it requires finding and competing for mates, which can expend considerable time and energy. Additionally, successful traits present in an individual may not be passed as effectively if the mate carries different or less advantageous traits.
Outcrossing also exposes populations to outbreeding depression if individuals from different populations mate and produce offspring with incompatible or less fit genetic combinations. This can reduce the fitness of a population in certain ecological contexts.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Self-Fertilization

Self-fertilization is a reproductive strategy where an organism fertilizes its own gametes, leading to offspring that are genetically similar to the parent. This method can be advantageous in stable environments where the parent's traits are well-suited for survival. However, it reduces genetic diversity, which can make populations more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes.
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Self-Fertilization Experiment: True-Breeding vs. Hybrid Plants

Outcrossing

Outcrossing involves the fertilization of gametes from different individuals, promoting genetic diversity within a population. This increased variation can enhance adaptability and resilience to environmental changes and diseases. However, outcrossing may also require more energy and resources to find mates, and it can be less effective in isolated or sparse populations.
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Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species. High genetic diversity is crucial for the survival and adaptability of populations, as it allows for a wider range of traits that can be beneficial in changing environments. Conversely, low genetic diversity can lead to inbreeding depression, where the accumulation of deleterious alleles negatively impacts the health and viability of a population.
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Genetic Drift Example 2
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which of the following does not occur during embryogenesis? a. formation of the radial axis b. production of the suspensor c. formation of the cotyledons and hypocotyl d. formation of the leaf lateral and proximal–distal axes

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Textbook Question

When does the apical–basal axis first become apparent? a. when the epidermal, ground, and vascular tissues form b. when the cotyledons, hypocotyl, and root form c. when the first cell division produces the apical cell and basal cell d. during the globular stage, when the suspensor is complete

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Textbook Question

Why is the emergence of the radicle an important first step in germination? a. Its hook helps protect the shoot that emerges later. b. It carries out photosynthesis to supply the embryo with food. c. It is important for establishing a supply of water to the growing embryo.= d. It is necessary to break the seed coat.

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Textbook Question

In what sense are the tissues produced in the shoot and root apical meristems of a 300-year-old oak tree 'embryonic'?

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Textbook Question

Consider the following fruits: an acorn, a cherry, a burr, and a dandelion seed. Based on the structure of each of these fruits, predict how the seed is dispersed. Design a study that would estimate the average distance that each type of seed is dispersed from the parent plant.

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Textbook Question

Make a sketch of a simplified flower with all four organs, and indicate how the pattern of expression for just two genes (e.g., 'D' and 'E') could, hypothetically, regulate the development of each organ. Consider that what's important is whether a gene is on or off and that a structure can be specified when neither gene is expressed.

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