Final answer:
The coffee tree is capable of self-pollination, a reproductive mechanism that allows it to fertilize itself and produce seeds without external pollen; this process is common in many plants, including those studied by Gregor Mendel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The coffee tree is indeed capable of self-pollination, which means that it can transfer pollen from its own anthers to its own stigma, thus leading to fertilization and seed production without the need for pollen from a different plant. This form of pollination enhances the likelihood that a coffee tree will produce offspring, even in the absence of pollinators. However, it can lead to reduced genetic diversity within a population. Many plants, such as pea plants, which were famously studied by Gregor Mendel, are also known to be self-pollinating. Mendel's experiments with hybridizing pea plants demonstrated the fundamental principles of inheritance, including the observation that self-pollination of the F₁ offspring produces F₂ offspring with a 3:1 ratio of dominant to recessive traits.