What is inbreeding depression? Why do self-pollinated crops not show the ill effects of inbreeding depression?
Inbreeding depression is a decrease in the biological fitness of a population's members as a result of inbreeding. Inbreeding depression is defined as a reduction or loss of fitness and strength induced specifically by inbreeding. In its simplest form, inbreeding depression occurs when relatives in a small groupmate, which reduces the population's capacity to endure and reproduce. Self-pollination produces a significant number of plants that suffer from severe inbreeding depression and are toxic. Due to the decrease in strength and fertility, maintaining the breeding line after three to four generations is nearly impossible. These are mostly found in Alfalfa which belongs to the pea family and carrots.
