Cross pollination is advantageous because it allows for diversity in the species, as the genetic information of different plants are combined. ... Self pollination leads to more uniform progeny, meaning that the species is, for example, less resistant as a whole to disease.

Why is cross pollination preferred?

Cross-pollination is a type of pollination in which pollen grains come from another plant. Cross-pollination is preferred because it brings about variation in species. ... Variation brings new traits to the plant which may be advantageous to the plant. For example, it helps the new plant to defend against diseases.

Why is cross pollination better for plants?

In contrast, cross-pollination—or out-crossing—leads to greater genetic diversity because the microgametophyte and megagametophyte are derived from different plants. Because cross-pollination allows for more genetic diversity, plants have developed many ways to avoid self-pollination.