Question

If pine trees have the arrangement of male/female cones above to prevent self fertilization, what effect would this arrangement have on genetic diversity of the offspring? Would it increase, decrease, or stay the same? Why?

Answer 1

The position on the tree helps prevent self-fertillization. Pollen produced by the male cannot easily blow onto the female cones of its own when discharged into the wind. It promotes fertilization with other pine trees that increase genetic variation among trees. Animals eat pine seeds and disperse them around by defecating them and letting them grow. Therefore, prevention of self-fertilization will increase genetic diversity of the offsprings.