FFA Floriculture Practice Test

What is produced when parents of different genotypes are crossed for a specific trait?

1. Strain

2. Hybrid

3. Clone

4. Variety

The correct answer is: Hybrid

When parents of different genotypes are crossed for a specific trait, the result is a hybrid. In genetics, hybrids are often the offspring resulting from the mating of two genetically distinct individuals, particularly those that differ in traits of interest. This process of crossing different genetic backgrounds tends to introduce variation in the offspring, which can exhibit characteristics from both parents. Hybrids are commonly utilized in agriculture and floriculture to enhance desirable traits, such as improved growth rates, resistance to diseases, or increased aesthetic appeal. This genetic mixing can lead to progeny that may perform better under specific environmental conditions or have enhanced survival rates. The other terms—strain, clone, and variety—do not accurately capture the outcome of a cross between different genotypes. A strain typically refers to a genetic variant or sub-group within a species, while a clone is an organism that is genetically identical to its parent, produced asexually. A variety usually denotes a group within a species that possesses distinct characteristics, but not necessarily as a result of a cross between different genotypes. Thus, the term hybrid correctly describes the result of such a genetic crossing.