Question

The process of mating of individuals, which are more closely related than the average of the population to which they belong, is called

(a) heterosis

(b) self breeding

(c) inbreeding

(d) hybridization.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option (c) inbreeding.

In many plants and some primitive animals, mating occurs between closely related genetically individuals of the population. This process of mating is known as inbreeding.
Heterosis is also known as hybrid vigour. In this, the mating occurs between two genetically different individuals.
In self-breeding, the mating occurs between genetically identical individuals. They passed same traits on to all subsequent generations.
Hybridization can be interspecific or intraspecific. Interspecific hybridization involves the mating between individuals of different species whereas intraspecific hybridization involves the mating between genetically different individuals from the same species.