Question

Assertion : A single outcross between a superior animal of the inbreeding population and another superior animal of an unrelated population of the same breed can overcome inbreeding depression.

Reason : Crossing unrelated animals decreases the chances of homozygosity in progeny.

• A. Both assertion and reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation for assertion
• B. Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is not the correct explanation for the assertion
• C. Assertion is true statement and reason is a false statement
• D. Both assertion and reason are false

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both assertion and reason are true, and reason is the correct explanation for assertion

Inbreeding involves mating closely related superior animals of a breed, continuously for 4-6 generations. Continuous inbreeding in a small population between related animals of the same breed increases the occurrence of identical (homozygous) alleles in a genotype. It also leads to gradual loss of fertility, productivity and reduced weight in the progeny. This is known as inbreeding depression. This is because closely related parents have a higher chance of transferring similar alleles to the offspring.
Thus, crossing unrelated animals decreases the chances of homozygosity in progeny.
Thus it is concluded that both assertion and reason are true statements and reason is the correct explanation for assertion.