Question

Which outbreeding device would prevent self-pollination even if pollen and stigma matured simultaneously?

Options

• Protandry and protogyny

• Herkogamy and self-incompatibility

• Monoecious and prepotency

• Dichogamy and heterostyly

Answer 1

Herkogamy and self-incompatibility work independently of timing. Herkogamy uses physical spatial separation of anthers and stigma, preventing mechanical contact. Self-incompatibility uses genetic recognition via S-alleles to biochemically reject self-pollen regardless of maturation timing. Both are effective even when temporal factors are not limiting.