Module: | Pre-fertilization: Micro/Megasporogenesis
Q10: Consider the following statements regarding cleistogamous and chasmogamous flowers:
1. Plants such as Viola, Oxalis, and Commelina produce both chasmogamous and cleistogamous flowers.
2. Cleistogamous flowers are invariably autogamous as there is no chance of cross-pollen landing on the stigma.
3. A major disadvantage of cleistogamy is that it fails to produce assured seed sets in the absence of pollinators.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. Cleistogamous flowers are invariably autogamous as there is no chance of cross-pollen landing on the stigma.
3. A major disadvantage of cleistogamy is that it fails to produce assured seed sets in the absence of pollinators.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: A
The correct option is A. Statements 1 and 2 are correct, whereas Statement 3 is strictly incorrect.
Certain angiosperms have evolved a dual-flower strategy to maximize reproductive success.
Chasmogamous flowers are open with exposed anthers and stigmas, resembling typical flowers.
Cleistogamous flowers, found in species like Viola (common pansy), Oxalis, and Commelina, never open at all.
Because the floral buds remain closed, the anthers and stigma lie close to each other, making them invariably autogamous and physically preventing cross-pollination.
The causal reasoning for plant evolution favoring cleistogamy is precisely the opposite of Statement 3: it guarantees an assured seed set even in the complete absence of pollinators, acting as a reproductive failsafe.
However, the long-term biological cost is a lack of genetic variation.
Certain angiosperms have evolved a dual-flower strategy to maximize reproductive success.
Chasmogamous flowers are open with exposed anthers and stigmas, resembling typical flowers.
Cleistogamous flowers, found in species like Viola (common pansy), Oxalis, and Commelina, never open at all.
Because the floral buds remain closed, the anthers and stigma lie close to each other, making them invariably autogamous and physically preventing cross-pollination.
The causal reasoning for plant evolution favoring cleistogamy is precisely the opposite of Statement 3: it guarantees an assured seed set even in the complete absence of pollinators, acting as a reproductive failsafe.
However, the long-term biological cost is a lack of genetic variation.