What is the primary result of hybridization in plants?

• A. Creation of a single species
• B. Increased genetic diversity
• C. Production of true-breed offspring
• D. Elimination of genetic variations

Answer: (B)

The primary result of hybridization in plants is increased genetic diversity. When two genetically distinct plant varieties or species are crossed, the resulting hybrid offspring often have a combination of traits from both parents. This mixing of genetic material can introduce new alleles into a population, enhancing genetic variability. Increased genetic diversity is beneficial as it can lead to greater adaptability and resilience in changing environments, helping plants survive pest pressures, diseases, and climate variations.

The other options do not accurately capture the broad effects of hybridization. For instance, hybridization does not typically create a single species; rather, it can result in the formation of hybrids that may or may not fit neatly into existing species classifications. Additionally, true-breeding offspring, which consistently produce the same traits when self-pollinated, are usually derived from homozygous parental lines rather than hybridization, which often involves heterozygous individuals. Last, hybridization does not eliminate genetic variation; it usually adds to it by combining different genetic traits from the parent plants. Therefore, the most fitting result of hybridization is the increase in genetic diversity.