Question

State the following statements as True (T) or False (F).

I - Continuous inbreeding eventually leads to inbreeding depression.
II - Inbreeding always increases productivity.
III - Inbreeding helps to accumulate superior genes in a population.

• A. I - F, II - T, III - F
• B. I - T, II - T, III - F
• C. I - T, II - F, III - T
• D. I - F, II - F, III - T

Answer 1

The correct option is C I - T, II - F, III - T

Inbreeding involves mating of closely related individuals with superior characteristics within the same breed for 4-6 generations.

Mating closely related animals increases the chances of the offspring receiving the same allele from both parents, helping in accumulation of superior genes and elimination of less desirable ones.
Thus, continuous inbreeding eventually leads to inbreeding depression, which means biological fitness in a given population gets reduced with time. As a result, productivity decreases.

Therefore, continuous inbreeding for many generations among closely related organisms can lead to reduction in fertility, productivity and weight loss. This is known as inbreeding depression.

Therefore, statements I and III are true and statement II is false.