Biology (11th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 1259188132
ISBN 13: 978-1-25918-813-8

Chapter 41 - Plant Reproduction - Review Questions - Synthesize - Page 863: 3

Answer

This reproductive strategy does two things: 1) it promotes outcrossing, with the genetic benefits of hybridization, 2) it provides a backup in case non-self pollen is unavailable, allowing at least some reproduction to occur.

Work Step by Step

Note that the book extolls the value of self-incompatibility, which this system resembles in some ways. However, it also makes sure that the plant will produce some seed/reproduce itself, even if pollination from other flowers is poor.
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