Pollination in closed flower is called

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

AMRU HP BSc Nursing Admission Test 7 July 2024 Official Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Cleistogamy

Rationale:

Cleistogamy refers to the pollination that occurs in closed flowers. In this process, the flowers do not open at all, and the pollen is transferred directly to the stigma within the same flower, ensuring self-pollination. This is a form of autogamy and is common in plants that need to ensure reproduction even in the absence of external pollinators.
Cleistogamous flowers are often smaller and less conspicuous than open flowers, and they can occur under conditions where cross-pollination is less likely to be successful, such as in harsh environmental conditions.

Explanation of Other Options:

Chasmogamy

Rationale: Chasmogamy is the opposite of cleistogamy. It refers to the pollination that occurs in open flowers. These flowers open up, exposing their reproductive organs to allow for cross-pollination by external agents like insects, wind, or water.

Xenogamy

Rationale: Xenogamy involves the transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of a flower on a different plant. This type of pollination leads to cross-pollination and genetic diversity.

Geitonogamy

Rationale: Geitonogamy is the transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on the same plant. This can be considered a form of self-pollination but involves different flowers.

Conclusion:

Cleistogamy ensures that plants can reproduce even in the absence of external pollination agents by self-pollinating within closed flowers. This is particularly advantageous in adverse environmental conditions. In contrast, chasmogamy, xenogamy, and geitonogamy involve varying degrees of flower openness and cross-pollination mechanisms.