Final answer:
Marriage in caste systems is endogamous, not exogamous, enforcing marriage within the same caste. Other characteristics like being hereditary and immutable are true for caste systems. Meritocracy provides the most social mobility, unlike caste systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Out of the options provided, the characteristic that is not associated with caste systems is that 'marriage is exogamous with respect to caste'. In actuality, caste systems are known for promoting endogamous marriages, wherein individuals are encouraged or required to marry within their own caste, maintaining the social boundaries and hierarchy of the system. Caste systems are indeed based on birth, caste is hereditary, castes are ranked with respect to one another, and typically, a person cannot move from one caste to another throughout their lifetime.
When comparing various systems regarding social mobility, a meritocracy allows for the most social mobility as it is a system where advancement is based on individual talent or achievement and not on birth or class. This contrasts sharply with caste systems where mobility is extremely limited.