Continued self-pollination results in:

Options

A. Genetic drift
B. Heterosis
C. Inbreeding depression
D. Polyembryony

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Self-Pollination**: Self-pollination occurs when pollen from the anther of a flower fertilizes the ovule of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. This process leads to offspring that are genetically similar to the parent plant.

2. **Genetic Consequences**: Continued self-pollination reduces genetic variability. Since the genetic material comes from the same plant, there is little to no introduction of new genetic traits. This lack of genetic diversity can lead to several issues.

3. **Inbreeding Depression**: One of the primary consequences of continued self-pollination is inbreeding depression. This phenomenon occurs when closely related individuals breed, leading to a decrease in fitness and vigor in the offspring. Inbreeding depression can result in reduced survival rates, lower fertility, and increased susceptibility to diseases.

4. **Other Possible Outcomes**: While the question specifically asks about the results of continued self-pollination, it is important to note that other outcomes such as genetic drift, heterosis (hybrid vigor), and polyembryony can also occur in different contexts, but they are not direct results of self-pollination.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the most significant and direct result of continued self-pollination is inbreeding depression, which negatively affects the plant's overall health and survival.

**Final Answer**: Continued self-pollination results in inbreeding depression.

---