Question

Researchers have studied one species of orchid that is entirely self-reliant for its reproduction. The orchid rotates its anther in order to insert pollen into its own stigma cavity then rotates the anther back, against gravity, to its original position. In contrast to this orchid species, a majority of plants utilize strategies to prevent selfing (self-fertilization). Provide 2 disadvantages of selfing, explaining the deleterious effects these plants are trying to avoid.

Answer 1

Disadvantages of self pollination

1) as this involve fertilization of own pollen to own egg. This lead to accumulation of recessive allele in the population and lead to formation of weak species which are not able to compete in the changing environment.

2) defective and weaker plant also have low quality than cross pollinated plant. And also due to less variation there will be less chances of improvement in the coming generation

These two are the main disadvantages of self pollination which orchids are trying to avoid.