Q175 / 180 · NEET 2019 (All India) · Zoology

Select the incorrect statement.

  • A
    Inbreeding increases homozygosity.
  • B
    Inbreeding is essential to evolve purelines in any animal.
  • C
    Inbreeding helps in accumulation of superior genes and elimination of undesirable genes.
  • Correct answer
    D
    Inbreeding selects harmful recessive genes that reduce fertility and productivity.

Solution

The breeding strategy based on inbreeding is as follows. Superior cows and the superior bulls of the same breed are identified and mated in pairs. The progeny obtained from such mating is evaluated and superior males and females are identified for further mating. A superior female, in the case of cattle, is the cow that produces more milk or lactation. On the other hand, a superior male is that bull, which gives rise to superior progeny as compared to those of other males. Inbreeding, as a rule, increases homozygosity.

  • Advantage: Inbreeding exposes harmful recessive genes that are eliminated by selection. It also helps in the accumulation of superior genes and elimination of less desirable genes. Therefore, this approach increases the productivity of inbred population.
  • Disadvantage: But continued inbreeding, especially close inbreeding, usually reduces fertility and even productivity (inbreeding depression). Whenever this becomes a problem the selected animals of the breeding population should be mated with such superior animals of the same breed that are unrelated to those in the breeding population.

    Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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