Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of cross-pollination?

Answer 1

The advantages of cross pollination are as follows:

1. There is enhanced vigour in the off-spring.
2. Variations are continuously produced, maximising the chances of a well adapted off-spring.

The disadvantages of cross pollination are as follows:

1. Pollination is not definite and depends upon agencies such as wind, water, insects and animals.
2. Since a lot of pollen is destroyed in transit, large quantities of pollen must be produced.
3. Flowers must be large and colourful with a lot of nectar to attract insects, which is not economical.