Question

Why is the production of new varieties not possible through self-pollination?

Options

• Only one parent is involved, so genetic recombination with different alleles cannot occur

• External agents are always required to create genetic variation

• Self-pollination produces too many viable seeds

• New varieties can only be produced through asexual reproduction

Answer 1

New varieties cannot be produced through self-pollination because only one parent is involved in the process. Without genetic recombination from two different individuals with potentially different alleles, no novel genetic combinations can arise, limiting the genetic diversity of offspring.